Easter will fall on Sunday, April 5 this year, leading to changes in scheduled benefit payment dates. To account for the bank holidays, payments that would normally arrive on Good Friday or Easter Monday will be issued earlier for claimants.
Early Payment Dates Confirmed
Payments originally due on Friday, April 3, or Monday, April 6, will instead be paid on Thursday, April 2. This adjustment has been confirmed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), and Social Security Scotland.
UK Weather Alert 2026: Met Office Forecast Signals Snowfall Across Multiple Regions Within Hours
The change applies to a range of benefits, including:
DWP Benefit Increase April 2026: Payments Rise 6.2% as Public Sector Pay Adjustments Announced
- State Pension
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Adult Disability Payment (ADP)
- Child Benefit
- Universal Credit
If your payment date does not fall on these bank holidays, it will be processed as usual without any changes.
Jobcentre Closures Over Easter
DWP has also confirmed that Jobcentre Plus offices and phone lines will be closed on:
- Friday, April 3
- Monday, April 6
Services will resume as normal on Tuesday, April 7.
UK Recycling Policy Changes 2026: New Bin Rules Take Effect From Tomorrow With Key Guidelines
DWP Payments Affected
The following benefits due on April 3 or April 6 will be paid early on April 2:
| Benefit Type |
|---|
| Attendance Allowance |
| Carer’s Allowance |
| Employment and Support Allowance |
| Income Support |
| Jobseeker’s Allowance |
| Pension Credit |
| Personal Independence Payment |
| State Pension |
| Universal Credit |
HMRC Payments Affected
The following HMRC payments will also be issued early:
| Benefit Type |
|---|
| Child Benefit |
| Guardian’s Allowance |
Important Note
Only payments scheduled for the Easter bank holiday dates will be affected. All other payments will continue on their normal schedule.
Conclusion
The early payment arrangement ensures that claimants receive their funds in advance of the Easter holiday closures. Beneficiaries are advised to plan their spending accordingly, as the earlier payment may need to last longer until the next scheduled payment date.
UK Pension Fund Payout Update 2026: Millions Set to Receive Boost as £199 Million Profit Distributed
