In April 2023, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced significant changes to payment dates due to the Easter bank holidays. This adjustment affects millions of claimants across the UK, ensuring timely benefit distribution around these holidays.
Impact of Easter Holidays on DWP Payments
Approximately 24 million individuals in the UK receive benefits from the DWP, which includes payments like State Pension, Universal Credit, and other essential support. With two bank holidays—Good Friday on April 7 and Easter Monday on April 10—scheduled during the month, the payment dates are revised to ensure that recipients do not face delays.
Revised Payment Dates
- If your payment was originally scheduled for Good Friday (April 7), you will receive it on Thursday, April 6.
- Payments set for Easter Monday (April 10) will also shift to Thursday, April 6.
This change applies broadly to various benefits, including:
- Universal Credit
- State Pension
- Pension Credit
- Child Benefit
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Payment Schedule for State Pension
The DWP also highlighted that the payment schedule for the State Pension aligns with the last two digits of a recipient’s National Insurance number. Here’s when State Pension payments will be distributed based on these digits:
| Last Two Digits of NI Number | Payment Day |
|---|---|
| 00 to 19 | Monday |
| 20 to 39 | Tuesday |
| 40 to 59 | Wednesday |
| 60 to 79 | Thursday |
| 80 to 99 | Friday |
Due to these earlier payment dates, recipients should plan their budgets carefully to manage their finances until the next scheduled payment cycle. If benefit payments do not arrive as expected, individuals can contact the DWP at 0800 328 5644. However, it’s important to note that the DWP will not be available on bank holidays.
For more updates on benefit payments and further changes by the DWP, stay connected with El-Balad.
