In May, thousands of benefit claimants and state pensioners will experience changes to their payment dates due to two bank holidays. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced that payments scheduled for May 4 and May 25 will be issued earlier.
DWP’s Announcement on Payment Changes
Both bank holidays will cause banks and government offices to close, impacting the payment schedule. As a result, those expecting payments on these dates will receive their funds on the preceding Fridays. Specifically:
- Payments due on May 4 will arrive on May 1.
- Payments scheduled for May 25 will be made on May 22.
Benefits affected by these changes include:
- Universal Credit
- Personal Independence Payment
- Child Benefit
- Adult Disability Payment
- Attendance Allowance
State pension payments will also be adjusted to the new schedule. Importantly, claimants are not required to take any action, as these adjustments will occur automatically. Normal payment schedules are expected to resume in June.
Impact on Claimants
Most benefits are disbursed every four weeks, meaning many recipients will face only this one adjustment. However, state pensioners receiving weekly payments may encounter multiple changes. This can affect budgeting, as claimants must manage their finances over a longer period before the next payment arrives.
For those facing difficulties, it is advised to check their award notices to confirm accurate payment information. If a payment does not arrive as expected after the bank holidays, claimants should contact the DWP or HMRC.
Understanding Payment Structures
Weekly state pension payments are determined by the last two digits of a recipient’s National Insurance number, with those ending from 00 to 19 typically receiving payments on Mondays. Since both May bank holidays fall on a Monday, these individuals may see repeated changes in their payment schedule.
It is worth noting that payment rates for benefits and state pensions increased on April 6, coinciding with the start of the new tax year. Some payments during this transition may reflect a blend of old and new rates, as benefit calculations often cover a four-week period that spans the rate increase.
Universal Credit claimants may notice the new rates applied in payments due in May or June, following the completion of their assessment periods after April 6.
