Some state pensioners in the UK were surprised today (Friday, May 23, 2025) to find early payments from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in their bank accounts. These payments were made ahead of schedule due to the upcoming bank holiday on Monday, May 26.
If your usual payment date was set for that Monday, you may have already received your money today.
Why the Early Payments?
The DWP does not process payments on weekends or bank holidays. To make sure pensioners aren’t left waiting, payments due on Monday, May 26 have been moved to Friday, May 23, the last working day before the holiday.
According to the DWP’s policy:
“If your payment date is on a weekend or a bank holiday, you’ll usually be paid on the working day before.”
This is standard practice, and while it may feel like a bonus before the long weekend, pensioners are reminded that their next payment won’t come early – they’ll still need to budget carefully until the next scheduled date.
Who Received Money Early?
The early payments apply to:
- State Pensioners whose scheduled pay date was May 26
- People receiving Universal Credit
- People on Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
If your payment was due any other day, your schedule stays the same.
How Much Is the Weekly State Pension?
As of April 2025, the weekly New State Pension is worth up to:
- £230.25 per week
- Which is about £921 every four weeks
Not everyone gets the full amount, as it depends on your National Insurance contributions.
Why Budgeting Matters After Early Payments
Fiona Peake, a personal finance expert at Ocean Finance, warned that receiving money early can throw off your regular spending habits.
“Getting your money on Friday instead of Monday might feel like a win going into the long weekend, but it means you’ll have three extra days to stretch it.”
She added that it can be tempting to spend the money right away, especially if you’re living week to week. But spending too fast could leave you short when it matters most.
Tips to Manage Early Payments
If you received your money early today, keep these tips in mind:
- Stick to your original spending plan as if you received the payment on Monday
- Set aside money for essentials like food, bills, and transport
- Track your expenses to avoid running short before the next payment
- Use tools like budgeting apps or a simple notebook to monitor spending
While early DWP payments might feel like a financial bonus, they’re simply a rescheduling due to the bank holiday. If you received your State Pension, Universal Credit, or PIP early, remember that the next payment will still follow the usual date.
So, while the early cash may help over the weekend, it’s important to budget wisely and make sure your money lasts until your next payment. Stay aware of your benefits schedule and always check your bank account if you’re unsure.
FAQs
Why did I get my DWP payment early?
If your regular payment was due on Monday, May 26 (a bank holiday), the DWP sent your money early on Friday, May 23.
Who is affected by the early payment?
Only those with payments due on the bank holiday (May 26). This includes State Pensioners, and some on Universal Credit and PIP.
How much is the new State Pension in 2025?
It is £230.25 per week or £921 every four weeks, depending on your National Insurance record.
Will I get another early payment next month?
No, early payments are only for those whose pay dates fall on bank holidays or weekends.
What should I do if I received my money early?
Stick to your regular budget and avoid overspending, as the next payment will come on your usual date.
