If you get the state pension or other benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), there’s some important news for you this May. A bank holiday is coming up, and that means some payments will be made earlier than usual. Let’s break it down so it’s easy to understand.
What’s Happening with Pension Payments This Friday?
The DWP will be paying state pensioners who were born after 1953 a monthly amount of £921 on Friday, May 23, 2025. Normally, payments follow a fixed schedule. But when a bank holiday falls on a Monday, payments are moved to the last working day before the holiday—because DWP offices are closed during holidays.
Why the Change This Time?
This time, the Spring Bank Holiday falls on Monday, May 26, 2025. So if you’re supposed to get your pension or benefit on that day, you’ll actually receive it on Friday, May 23 instead. This applies to others too, not just pensioners. So, if your benefit payment is due on a weekend or bank holiday, it will come earlier, on the last working day before.
How Much Will Pensioners Receive?
In April, the new state pension rate increased from £221.20 to £230.25 per week. That means you now get £921 a month. To qualify for this new pension amount:
- Women must be born after 1953
- Men must be born after 1951
This increase helps keep up with the rising cost of living, and it’s automatically applied if you’re eligible.
What Are the Next Bank Holidays in 2025?
After the Spring Bank Holiday in May, there are still three more bank holidays coming up this year:
- Summer Bank Holiday on August 25
- Christmas Day on December 25
- Boxing Day on December 26
If your benefit payment falls on any of these days, it will be paid early—usually the Friday before.
What Other Benefits Are Paid Early?
It’s not just state pensions. The DWP may also send early payments for these benefits:
- Child Benefit
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
So, if you get any of these, make sure to check your bank account around the holiday dates.
Who Gets Which State Pension?
There are two types of state pension:
- Basic State Pension
- New State Pension
Which one you receive depends on when you were born and when you reached the state pension age. If you’re unsure which one you get, you can check with the DWP or look at your pension statements.
Bank holidays can change when you receive your pension or other DWP benefits. If you’re expecting a payment on Monday, May 26, it’ll arrive early on Friday, May 23. This is done to make sure no one has to wait longer just because of a holiday. It’s a good idea to keep track of upcoming bank holidays and check your account early. Staying informed helps you plan your money better, especially if you depend on these payments for your daily needs.
FAQs
Why is my DWP payment arriving early in May 2025?
Your DWP payment is arriving early because the Spring Bank Holiday falls on Monday, May 26, 2025. Since DWP offices are closed on bank holidays, payments due on that day will be made on Friday, May 23 instead.
How much is the new state pension from April 2025?
The new state pension increased to £230.25 per week starting April 2025. That equals around £921 per month for those who qualify.
Who qualifies for the new state pension?
Women born after 1953 and men born after 1951 qualify for the new state pension, provided they meet all other eligibility conditions.
Will other benefits be paid early too?
Yes, benefits such as Child Benefit, PIP, DLA, Carer’s Allowance, and more may also be paid early if their usual date falls on a bank holiday.
What are the remaining bank holidays in 2025 that may affect DWP payments?
After May 26, the next bank holidays in 2025 are August 25 (Summer Bank Holiday), December 25 (Christmas Day), and December 26 (Boxing Day). Payments scheduled on these days will likely be made earlier.