Introduction: The United Kingdom celebrates various bank holidays during the course of the year, and May is one of those months that contain two principal bank holidays. Should one be on a state pension, Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), tax credits or any other government benefit from DWP or HMRC, it is relevant to know that bank holidays can affect payment dates.
May 2025 bank holiday dates
There are usually two major bank holidays in May:
- First of May Bank Holiday: Monday, 5 May 2025
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 26 May 2025
Government offices and banks are closed on both dates. Because of this, payments issued by HMRC and DWP may be transferred earlier or later.
Which payment schemes will be affected?
If you receive payments under the following schemes, the date of your payment may change:
- State Pension
- Universal Credit
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Carer’s Allowance
- Child Benefit
- Tax Credits (run by HMRC)
How will payment dates change?
Usually, if the payment date falls on 5 May or 26 May 2025, said payments might be delivered one or two working days earlier. The DWP usually takes care to get payments to beneficiaries before the holiday. For State Pension payments due on 5 May, the payment is made on Friday, 2 May.
If your Tax Credit or Child Benefit due date is 26 May, that may also be transferred on Friday, 23 May.
Where to check your payment information?
- For DWP payment information, visit the Gov.uk website.
- To check your HMRC payment status, you can log in to the HMRC website or your Tax Credit account.
- Beneficiaries who have chosen direct payment into a bank account usually receive payment before a bank holiday.
What documents to have ready?
If there is a problem with payment, you may need the following documents:
- National Insurance number
- Bank statement
- Universal Credit or Tax Credit claim number
- Benefit letter from DWP or HMRC
Can I call on a bank holiday?
DWP and HMRC call centres are closed on bank holidays. Hence, it is advisable to resolve any issues before the bank holiday.
Tips for seniors and beneficiaries
- Make a budget: If your payment comes a few days early, it is wise to hold on to that money until the next due date.
- Make essential purchases early: Complete essentials like ration, medicines and bill payments before the bank holiday.
- Beware of fraud: Cyber fraud increases during this time. Never share your bank or benefit information on unknown links or calls.
Conclusion
It is important for all beneficiaries to know the DWP and HMRC May 2025 bank holiday payment schedule to avoid any financial inconvenience. If your regular payment date is 5 or 26 May, chances are you will receive the amount ahead of time. This small advance payment from government schemes can make a big difference, especially for families living on limited incomes. So be aware, note the dates and contact your local DWP office if necessary.
FAQs
Q1. Why are DWP and HMRC payments changing in May 2025?
A. Due to the Early May and Spring Bank Holidays in the UK, regular payment dates for state benefits and pensions may be affected, causing early disbursements.
Q2. Which bank holidays in May 2025 will affect payment dates?
A. The Early May Bank Holiday (Monday, 5 May 2025) and the Spring Bank Holiday (Monday, 26 May 2025) will impact DWP and HMRC schedules.
Q3. Who is affected by these rescheduled payments?
A. Anyone receiving payments from DWP (like Universal Credit, PIP, ESA, or State Pension) or HMRC (such as Tax Credits or Child Benefits) could see their payment dates adjusted.
Q4. When will I get paid if my benefit date falls on a bank holiday?
A. If your benefit or pension payment is due on a bank holiday, it will likely be paid on the last working day before the holiday, usually the preceding Friday.
Q5. Will the payment amount or frequency change?
A. No, only the payment date changes due to the holiday. The amount and frequency remain the same.
