The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), and Social Security Scotland have announced changes to benefit payment dates because of the upcoming May bank holidays. To make sure payments arrive on time, some benefits will be paid earlier than usual.
Early Payments for May 5 Bank Holiday
Since Monday, May 5, is a bank holiday, payments normally scheduled for that day will be made early on Friday, May 2. This includes:
State Pension
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Universal Credit
Adult Disability Payment (ADP)
Attendance Allowance
Carer’s Allowance
Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
Income Support
Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Pension Credit
HMRC will also pay Child Benefit and Guardian’s Allowance early on May 2. Social Security Scotland will do the same for:
Adult Disability Payment
Child Disability Payment
Scottish Child Payment
Carer Support Payment
Pension Age Disability Payment
Payments for May 26 Bank Holiday
The second bank holiday on Monday, May 26, will affect payments similarly. Payments due on May 26 will be paid early on Friday, May 23. HMRC and Social Security Scotland have confirmed this change for Child Benefit and devolved payments.
Jobcentres and Service Closures
On Monday, May 5, Jobcentres, offices, and phone lines will be closed. Services will resume as usual from Tuesday, May 6.
The DWP said:
“Offices and phone lines are closed on Monday, May 5. To make sure people get their payment on a day when our offices are open, some payments are made early on Friday, May 2.”
What You Should Expect
If your payment date falls on May 5 or May 26, expect to receive it early—either on May 2 or May 23. Payments not scheduled on these dates will be processed as usual.
Summary of Early Payment Dates
DWP:
Payments due on May 5 paid May 2.
Payments due on May 26 likely paid early (confirmation closer to date).
HMRC:
Payments due May 5 paid May 2.
Payments due May 26 paid May 23.
Affected payments: Child Benefit, Guardian’s Allowance.
Social Security Scotland:
Payments due May 5 paid May 2.
Payments due May 26 paid May 23.
Affected payments: Adult Disability Payment, Child Disability Payment, Scottish Child Payment, Carer Support Payment, Pension Age Disability Payment.
Note: Best Start Foods payments are not affected.
Make sure to plan ahead for your May benefit payments. If your payment date is May 5 or May 26, expect to get your money early, on May 2 or May 23, so you can manage your finances smoothly. Payments not affected will be made on their regular dates.
FAQs
When will my State Pension be paid in May?
If your payment is due on May 5, it will be paid on May 2 (Friday). If it’s due on May 26, it will be paid on May 23 (Friday).
Why is my State Pension payment early in May?
Your payment is being made early due to the May bank holidays, which fall on May 5 and May 26. The DWP adjusts payments to ensure they are received on a working day before the holiday.
How do I find out my usual State Pension payment date?
Your State Pension payment date is determined by the last two digits of your National Insurance number. The corresponding day is when your payments are normally issued.
Do I need to do anything to receive my early payment in May?
No, you don’t need to take any action. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will automatically make your early payment directly into your usual bank or account.
What happens if my payment date falls on a weekend or bank holiday?
If your payment falls on a weekend or bank holiday, the DWP usually processes your payment on the working day before the weekend or holiday to ensure timely receipt.
