Easter will fall on Sunday, April 5 this year, which means several State Pension and benefit payments scheduled around the holiday period could be paid earlier than usual. Payments that would normally arrive on Good Friday or the following bank holiday Monday may be adjusted. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and Social Security Scotland have already confirmed that some payments will be released earlier, while the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is expected to adopt the same payment schedule.
Why Payments Are Being Made Earlier
The reason for the change is that DWP offices, helplines and related services remain closed during the Easter bank holidays. Since payment processing and support services such as webchat and Jobcentre Plus offices are not operating during this period, departments typically move payment dates forward so that claimants still receive their money without delay.
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New Expected Payment Date
Payments including State Pension, Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Child Benefit, Adult Disability Payment (ADP) and Attendance Allowance that are normally scheduled for Friday, April 3 or Monday, April 6 will instead be deposited into bank accounts on Thursday, April 2.
Important Note For Claimants
If your benefit or payment date does not fall on either of the bank holidays mentioned above, your payment will arrive as normal with no change to the usual schedule.
DWP Benefit Payments That Could Be Affected
DWP has not officially confirmed the revised dates yet, but it is widely expected that the department will follow the same early-payment pattern used by HMRC and Social Security Scotland.
If your payment is scheduled for Friday, April 3 or Monday, April 6, it is expected to be paid on Thursday, April 2 for the following benefits:
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Pension Credit
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- State Pension
- Universal Credit
HMRC Payments Affected By Easter Weekend
HMRC has confirmed that payments due on Friday, April 3 or Monday, April 6 will be issued earlier on Thursday, April 2 for the following benefits:
- Child Benefit
- Guardian’s Allowance
Social Security Scotland Payment Changes
Social Security Scotland has also confirmed early payments for benefits scheduled on Friday, April 3 or Monday, April 6. These payments will be issued on Thursday, April 2.
The benefits affected include:
- Adult Disability Payment
- Child Disability Payment
- Scottish Child Payment
- Carer Support Payment
- Pension Age Disability Payment
- Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance
However, Social Security Scotland has confirmed that Best Start Foods payments will continue as normal and will not be affected by the Easter bank holiday changes.
Stay Updated On Benefit News
Claimants are encouraged to stay informed about any updates regarding payment schedules during the Easter holiday period. Departments may provide further confirmations closer to the bank holiday weekend.
