As Easter weekend 2025 approaches, millions of people receiving Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits are being strongly advised to act promptly. With Good Friday falling on April 18 and Easter Monday on April 21, all DWP offices, JobCentres, and helplines will be closed for four consecutive days. Claimants needing assistance or planning to make urgent enquiries must do so before the end of business on Thursday, April 17, 2025.
Early Benefit Payments Scheduled for Easter Period
To ensure claimants are not left without support during the holiday period, the DWP has arranged for early disbursement of payments. All benefits, including Universal Credit, originally due on April 18, 19, 20, or 21 will now be paid on Thursday, April 17. This shift helps avoid delays caused by the Easter bank holiday closure.
The DWP stated: “To ensure timely support, some payments have been brought forward to the last working day before the bank holiday weekend.”
Services Resume on April 22
Normal operations will resume on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. This includes reopening of all DWP contact centres, benefit helplines, and JobCentre Plus offices. Claimants needing support during the holiday closure will face a six-day wait, making it essential to resolve any urgent issues by April 17.
Key Changes in 2025 Universal Credit Payments
Universal Credit, now fully implemented as a replacement for legacy benefits such as tax credits, follows a monthly payment cycle specific to each claimant’s registration date. If your payment was scheduled for any day between April 18–21, it will now be issued on April 17. This change applies to all claimants without exception.
Additionally, although benefit rates are reviewed annually, any increases from the 2025 uprating will not be reflected until payments made on or after May 13, 2025. Payments issued before this date will remain at 2024–2025 rates.
Overview of Easter Bank Holiday Impact on Benefits
| Affected Date | Original Payment Day | New Payment Day | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 18 | Good Friday | April 17 | Offices closed April 18–21 |
| April 19 | Saturday | April 17 | Paid early due to weekend |
| April 20 | Sunday | April 17 | Paid early due to weekend |
| April 21 | Easter Monday | April 17 | Bank holiday closure |
Universal Credit Replaces Tax Credits
As of April 5, 2025, HMRC’s tax credit system has been fully phased out, with all claimants now migrated to Universal Credit. This means tax credit payment timelines and disruptions are no longer relevant to current benefit systems.
How Payments Are Processed
DWP benefits are typically paid directly into a claimant’s bank, building society, or credit union account. If a payment date lands on a weekend or bank holiday, the payment is processed on the last working day before.
When submitting a claim, individuals are required to provide account details to facilitate direct deposit. Those unable to open or manage an account are advised to contact the relevant DWP office to arrange alternative payment methods.
Conclusion
The upcoming Easter break from April 18–21, 2025, will temporarily shut down DWP offices and helplines. Claimants must take early action to avoid disruptions to vital support. All payments scheduled for these dates will be issued on April 17. With Universal Credit now fully operational and tax credits discontinued, understanding these payment changes is crucial for financial planning this April.
FAQs
What should I do if I need to contact the DWP during Easter?
You must reach out to DWP services by the end of Thursday, April 17, 2025. Offices will be closed from April 18 through April 21, reopening on April 22.
Will my Universal Credit payment be higher due to the 2025 uprating?
Not yet. Increases from the 2025 annual uprating will only be applied to payments made on or after May 13, 2025. Any payments before that remain at last year’s rate.
Are tax credits still affected by bank holiday changes?
No. Tax credits have been permanently phased out as of April 5, 2025. All former claimants should now be receiving Universal Credit.
What if I don’t have a bank account?
You should contact the DWP office that administers your benefit. They can help arrange an alternative way to receive your payment.
Can I still use my online Universal Credit journal during the bank holiday?
Yes, but expect delays in responses or actions taken until services resume on April 22.
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