DWP Confirms Early Easter 2026 Payment Schedule for Key Benefits
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has officially announced significant changes to payment dates for a range of benefits, including Universal Credit and the State Pension, ahead of the four-day Easter bank holiday weekend in early April 2026. With Easter Sunday falling on April 5, 2026, any payments originally scheduled for Good Friday, April 3, or Easter Monday, April 6, will be processed early on Thursday, April 2. This adjustment ensures that claimants receive their funds without disruption during the holiday period.
Impact on DWP and HMRC Services
In addition to the payment date changes, the DWP has confirmed that Jobcentre Plus offices and telephone services will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday, resuming normal operations on Tuesday, April 7. Similarly, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has aligned its schedule, with payments due on those bank holiday dates also being issued on Thursday, April 2. It is crucial to note that if your next payment is not due on either of these Easter bank holiday dates, it will be paid as usual without any alterations.
Full List of Affected DWP Payments
The following DWP benefits will have payments brought forward to Thursday, April 2, if originally scheduled for Good Friday, April 3, or Easter Monday, April 6:
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Pension Credit
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- State Pension
- Universal Credit
Full List of Affected HMRC Payments
HMRC has also confirmed that the following payments will be made early on Thursday, April 2, for the same bank holiday dates:
- Child Benefit
- Guardian’s Allowance
If your benefit or payment does not appear on these lists, it will not be impacted by the Easter bank holiday weekend and will proceed according to the standard schedule. This proactive measure by the DWP and HMRC aims to provide financial stability and support for claimants during the festive break, minimizing any potential delays or inconveniences.
