Universal Credit Payments: The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is making significant temporary changes to its services this Easter 2025, affecting Universal Credit payments, Jobcentre hours, and support channels. With Easter falling on the weekend of April 18–21, millions of claimants are being advised to act early to avoid disruptions.
Whether you’re expecting a benefit payment, need to update your details, or want to speak to someone about a claim, it’s crucial to understand the adjusted timeline. The good news is that the DWP has scheduled early payments to ensure no one is left out during this bank holiday break.
Universal Credit Payments
As Easter nears, Universal Credit payments and other DWP benefits that are due between April 18 and 21 will now be paid early—on Thursday, April 17. This applies to all claimants, regardless of their personal payment cycle.
This change has been introduced to help claimants manage their finances during a period when DWP services will be temporarily unavailable. Since Universal Credit is a vital monthly support for many, knowing this updated schedule can help you plan ahead.
Overview of Easter Bank Holiday Impact on Benefits
| Affected Date | Original Payment Day | New Payment Day |
| April 18 | Good Friday | Thursday, April 17, 2025 |
| April 19 | Saturday | Thursday, April 17, 2025 |
| April 20 | Sunday | Thursday, April 17, 2025 |
| April 21 | Easter Monday | Thursday, April 17, 2025 |
These early payments mean you’ll receive your benefit before the holiday, avoiding delays caused by office closures.
Early Benefit Payments Scheduled for Easter Period
To keep claimants supported during the long weekend, the DWP will automatically send out Universal Credit payments and other benefits early. If your regular payment is due on Good Friday, Easter weekend, or Easter Monday, you’ll receive it on April 17.
This is an automatic adjustment. Claimants do not need to take any action for the early payment to be processed. However, it’s a good idea to check your online account or bank statements to confirm the early deposit.
It’s also important to keep your bank details up to date, as incorrect information could lead to failed or delayed payments.
Services Resume on April 22
Once the holiday period ends, all DWP services will resume as normal from Tuesday, April 22. Jobcentres, helplines, and benefit offices will reopen, and regular support will be available again.
If you need to contact the DWP for any reason—whether it’s a missed payment, change in circumstances, or new application—you’ll have to wait until April 22 if you miss the April 17 deadline.
That’s why it’s strongly advised to resolve any urgent matters before Thursday, April 17. You’ll avoid being left without assistance for nearly a week.
Key Changes in 2025 Universal Credit Payments
Universal Credit payments are issued on a monthly basis, specific to each claimant’s assessment date. But in cases where the payment date falls on a weekend or bank holiday, the DWP ensures early payment.
For Easter 2025, this rule applies from April 18–21. Every payment originally scheduled for any of those dates will instead be made on April 17.
It’s also important to understand how annual benefit increases will apply this year. The 2025 uprating of benefit rates will come into effect from May 13. Any payments received before that date will reflect 2024–2025 rates. So if you’re expecting a higher rate, it won’t be reflected in your April payment—even if it comes early.
Universal Credit Replaces Tax Credits
As of April 5, 2025, all claimants who previously received Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit have been moved to Universal Credit. This marks the full closure of the HMRC tax credit system.
That means any changes in bank holiday payments or schedules now apply only to Universal Credit payments. Former tax credit recipients should be aware of this transition and check their Universal Credit account to ensure everything is in order.
This change is part of a broader DWP initiative to simplify benefits and bring everything under a unified system. If you were receiving tax credits and have questions about your new Universal Credit entitlement, it’s best to log into your account or contact your local Jobcentre after the holiday.
How Payments Are Processed
The DWP uses a direct deposit system to send out Universal Credit payments and other benefits. These are typically sent to your bank, building society, or credit union account.
If a scheduled payment date falls on a bank holiday, the payment is moved to the previous working day. In this case, Thursday, April 17 becomes the critical date for all April 18–21 payments.
To ensure smooth delivery, make sure your payment information is accurate and current. If you have problems receiving payments to your account, the DWP may be able to arrange alternative methods—such as payments to Post Office accounts or other approved channels.
Conclusion
The DWP’s decision to bring forward Universal Credit payments during Easter 2025 ensures that no one is left without essential support during the long weekend. All claimants expecting payments on April 18, 19, 20, or 21 will instead be paid on April 17.
Jobcentres, helplines, and offices will be closed from April 18 to 21 and resume operations on April 22. Anyone needing assistance should act early, ideally before April 17.
As Universal Credit is now fully replacing legacy benefits, these payment changes affect all claimants equally. Understanding this timeline is vital for budgeting and avoiding disruption to your finances this April.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if I need to contact the DWP during Easter?
Contact them before Thursday, April 17. All offices will be closed for the Easter weekend and reopen on April 22.
Will my Universal Credit payment be higher due to the 2025 benefit increase?
Not yet. Increases from the 2025 uprating will only apply to payments made on or after May 13.
Are tax credits still affected by bank holiday payment changes?
No. Tax credits have been fully phased out. If you were on tax credits, you now receive Universal Credit.
What if I don’t have a bank account?
Contact your local DWP office for help. They can discuss other payment options available to you.
Can I still use my Universal Credit journal online during the break?
Yes, the journal is available, but expect delays in responses until DWP services resume on April 22.
