The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), and Social Security Scotland have announced adjustments to benefit payment dates due to the upcoming May bank holidays. To ensure recipients receive their payments on time, certain benefits will be paid early in advance of the bank holidays.
Early Payments on May 2
With Monday, May 5, being a bank holiday, the DWP, HMRC, and Social Security Scotland will process payments earlier than usual. Payments that are typically scheduled for Monday, May 5, will instead be made on Friday, May 2, including:
- 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
Additionally, HMRC will advance Child Benefit and Guardian’s Allowance payments for May 5 to May 2, and Social Security Scotland will also process payments early, including:
- Adult Disability Payment
- Child Disability Payment
- Scottish Child Payment
- Carer Support Payment
- Pension Age Disability Payment
Impact of the May 26 Bank Holiday
The second bank holiday of the month, on Monday, May 26, will also affect payment dates. Payments that would normally fall on May 26 will instead be made on Friday, May 23.
- HMRC and Social Security Scotland have confirmed the adjustments for Child Benefit and devolved payments, ensuring recipients receive their payments before the weekend.
Jobcentres and Service Disruptions
It’s also worth noting that Jobcentres, offices, and phone lines will be closed on Monday, May 5. Services will resume as normal from Tuesday, May 6.
The DWP has clarified:
“On Monday, May 5, offices and phone lines are closed. To make sure people get their payment on a day when our offices are open, arrangements have been made to make some payments early. If the expected payment date is Monday, May 5, then benefits will be paid early on Friday, May 2.”
What to Expect
If your payment is due on either May 5 or May 26, be prepared to receive it earlier than expected. However, if your payment is not scheduled for these dates, it will be processed as usual.
Complete List of Early Payments Due to May Bank Holidays:
DWP:
- Payments due on May 5 will be paid on May 2.
- Payments due on May 26 will likely be processed early (confirmation expected closer to the date).
HMRC:
- Payments due on May 5 will be paid on May 2.
- Payments due on May 26 will be paid on May 23.
- Affected Payments: Child Benefit, Guardian’s Allowance
Social Security Scotland:
- Payments due on May 5 will be paid on May 2.
- Payments due on May 26 will be paid on May 23.
- Affected Payments: Adult Disability Payment, Child Disability Payment, Scottish Child Payment, Carer Support Payment, Pension Age Disability Payment
Please note that Best Start Foods payments will not be affected by these changes.
Make sure to plan ahead, as the early payment dates in May could affect your usual schedule. If your payment falls on either of the May bank holidays, expect it to be issued early, on Friday, May 2, or Friday, May 23. If your payment isn’t affected, it will continue as usual.
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.
