Shelly
Individuals receiving Universal Credit and other UK government benefits may receive their payments earlier than usual this week, as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) adjusts its schedule for the May 2025 Bank Holiday.
Why Are Payments Coming Early?
Although most benefit payments in May 2025 are proceeding on their regular schedule, exceptions apply due to the upcoming Bank Holiday on Monday, 26 May.
For those whose scheduled benefit payment falls on that day, the DWP will issue payments earlier, on Friday, 23 May.
Who Will Receive Early Payments?
Only those whose usual payment date lands on 26 May will receive an early disbursement. If your payment date is not on the Bank Holiday, your benefit will be paid as scheduled.
List of Benefits Affected by the Early Payment Schedule
The following benefits may be paid earlier if the original payment date is 26 May:
| Benefits Eligible for Early Payment |
|---|
| Universal Credit |
| State Pension |
| Pension Credit |
| Child Benefit |
| Disability Living Allowance (DLA) |
| Personal Independence Payment (PIP) |
| Attendance Allowance |
| Carer’s Allowance |
| Employment Support Allowance (ESA) |
| Income Support |
| Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) |
If you fall into one of these categories and are due for a payment on 26 May, expect your funds to arrive on 23 May, offering a helpful financial buffer ahead of the long weekend.
April 2025 Benefit Increase: What You Should Know
Starting in April 2025, all working-age benefits were increased by 1.7%, in line with the September 2024 inflation rate. This includes:
- Universal Credit
- PIP
- DLA
- Carer’s Allowance
- Attendance Allowance
- ESA
- and other similar benefits
This uplift aims to help low-income households and vulnerable individuals keep up with the rising cost of living.
Upcoming Changes to Universal Credit from 2026
Significant adjustments to Universal Credit are planned for April 2026, following announcements by the Labour government:
🔹 Standard Allowance Rise
- The standard allowance for Universal Credit will receive a £7 weekly boost, moving from £91 to £98.
- This increase will be above inflation and is a one-time adjustment.
🔹 Health Element Frozen
- The additional health-related component of Universal Credit will be frozen at £97 per week from 2026 until at least 2029/30.
- Existing claimants will benefit from the standard allowance increase, but the health element will remain unchanged.
🔹 Reduced Rate for New Health Element Claimants
- New applicants after April 2026 will receive a much lower health element rate of £50 per week, which translates to a £2,500 yearly reduction compared to the current support.
If you believe you are eligible for this health-related support, it is highly recommended to apply before April 2026 to avoid receiving the reduced rate.
The Department for Work and Pensions is ensuring that claimants due for payments on Bank Holiday Monday (26 May) receive their money early—on 23 May.
While this temporary adjustment is designed to provide convenience, it’s also essential to be aware of upcoming changes to Universal Credit, especially the new £7 increase to the standard allowance and the reduced health element for new applicants starting in April 2026.
If you’re eligible for the health component, consider applying before the new policy takes effect to avoid reduced benefits.
FAQs
Who qualifies for early benefit payments in May 2025?
Only recipients whose scheduled payment date is Monday, 26 May 2025, will receive their payment early on Friday, 23 May.
Will all benefits be paid early due to the Bank Holiday?
No. Only specific benefits such as Universal Credit, State Pension, PIP, and others listed above, and only if the normal payment date is 26 May.
What should I do if I don’t receive my early payment by 23 May?
You should contact the DWP directly or visit the official government website to check your benefit status and any potential delays.