The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has officially confirmed an early payment schedule for millions of claimants ahead of the upcoming Spring Bank Holiday. If you’re receiving Universal Credit or other key benefits, your payment could arrive in your bank account as early as midnight on Friday, May 23, 2025, instead of the regular Monday payout.
This change affects all recipients whose scheduled payment falls on Monday, May 26, 2025, due to the bank holiday.
Why is DWP Making This Change?
Bank holidays typically affect the regular disbursement of benefit payments. When a scheduled payment date lands on a public holiday, the DWP processes it early to ensure claimants have access to funds before the long weekend. For this Spring Bank Holiday, payments will be made on Friday, May 23 three days ahead of the usual date.
Most payments will be credited just after midnight, meaning many claimants will wake up to the funds in their account early Friday morning.
Who Will Receive an Early Payment?
The early payment applies to a wide range of benefits, not just Universal Credit. Here’s a list of payments scheduled for early release:
- Universal Credit
- State Pension
- Child Benefit
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Carer’s Allowance
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Attendance Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
If your normal payment date is not May 26, you will receive your money as scheduled, with no changes.
How Much Will You Get?
Earlier this year, the DWP implemented a 1.7% increase in Universal Credit and related benefit amounts, reflecting the latest inflation rates. However, due to the rolling nature of monthly assessment periods, some recipients may not see the revised amount until May or June.
Important: Budgeting Reminder
Although receiving funds earlier might seem helpful, it also means your next payment will come after a longer gap. That’s why budgeting ahead is essential. For instance, if you get paid on May 23 instead of May 26, your next payment may not arrive until late June, depending on your monthly assessment cycle.
What If You Don’t Get Paid on Time?
If you expect a payment on May 23 but don’t see the funds in your account:
- First, check your bank account after midnight.
- If nothing is received by morning, contact the Universal Credit helpline.
You can call the DWP at 0800 328 5644 for Universal Credit queries. More contact numbers for specific benefits are available on the official site.
What Claimants Are Saying
Across social media platforms and online forums, many recipients welcomed the early deposit, especially as food prices and energy bills remain high. Some, however, expressed concerns about managing the longer gap between this and their next payment.
A Quick Tip for Managing Early Payments
If you’re concerned about the time between payments, consider breaking your budget into weekly spending goals. Planning your utility, rent, and food expenses early could prevent shortfalls later in June.
Final Thoughts
The DWP’s early payment decision is designed to avoid delays during the Spring Bank Holiday. If you’re expecting a payment on May 26, check your account after midnight on May 23. And remember — while early access can be helpful, plan ahead to ensure your funds last the full month.
