Recipients of Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits, including Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and Attendance Allowance, will receive their payments earlier than usual next week due to the Easter 2026 Bank Holidays. The UK’s Easter Bank Holidays fall on Good Friday, April 3, and Easter Monday, April 6, during which government offices, banks, and many public services will be closed.
To accommodate the closures, the DWP has confirmed that any benefit or state pension payments typically scheduled for these dates will be made in advance, delivered on Thursday, April 2. This change ensures claimants receive their funds without delay.
According to gov.uk, “If your payment date is on a weekend or a bank holiday, you’ll usually be paid on the working day before.” This rule applies nationwide, with the exception of Easter Monday not being a bank holiday in Scotland. Therefore, Scottish claimants will only see early payments if their due date falls on Good Friday.
The early payment applies to a range of benefits, including Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, as well as Attendance Allowance. Child Benefit payments, administered by HMRC, will also be paid early on April 2 instead of April 6.
State pension payments follow the same schedule. Any pension payments normally due on Good Friday or Easter Monday will arrive on Thursday, April 2 instead. Pensioners can verify their payment dates by checking their National Insurance number records.
In summary, if your benefit or pension payment date falls on either Easter Bank Holiday, expect to receive your money one working day earlier to avoid any disruption.