Many UK pensioners and benefit claimants will receive their payments earlier than usual in April 2025 due to the Easter holiday weekend. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed a shift in the regular schedule, with payments set for April 18 (Good Friday) and April 21 (Easter Monday) now being processed on Thursday, April 17, 2025.
This change doesn’t just impact State Pension recipients—it extends to a wide range of benefits, including Child Benefit, Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Carer’s Allowance, and Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
Why Are April 2025 Payments Coming Early?
Bank holidays such as Good Friday (April 18) and Easter Monday (April 21) disrupt the usual banking and payment processing schedules. To prevent any delays in people receiving essential funds, the DWP is issuing payments ahead of the long weekend.
Affected Benefits
Recipients of the following will receive their money early:
-
State Pension
-
Child Benefit
-
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
-
Carer’s Allowance
-
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Plan Ahead: Early Payment Means a Longer Wait Until the Next
While receiving funds early might sound like a bonus, it’s important for pensioners and benefit recipients to budget wisely, as the early payment stretches over a longer gap before the next scheduled payday in May.
Budget Tip: Break down your early April payment into weekly portions using a simple envelope system or budgeting app to avoid overspending before your next deposit.
April 2025 State Pension Increase: What to Expect
As part of the government’s triple lock policy, pensions will increase in April 2025:
| Pension Type | 2024–25 Weekly Rate | 2025–26 Weekly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| New Full State Pension | £221.20 | £230.30 |
| Basic State Pension | £169.50 | £176.45 |
That’s a yearly increase of nearly £475, bringing annual payments for the new State Pension to around £12,016.75.
What’s the £2,300 Pensioner Bonus?
A lesser-known benefit arriving in 2025 is the £2,300 support bonus—a government-backed payment aimed at helping older adults cope with rising living expenses. It’s automatically disbursed to eligible pensioners and is separate from regular pension payments.
This bonus is especially valuable for covering:
-
Home heating costs
-
Medical needs
-
Food and essential items
No application is needed—it’s applied to qualifying individuals who meet low-income or healthcare-related criteria.
Possible Changes in May 2025 Payments
Just weeks after the Easter schedule shift, another bank holiday on Monday, May 26, 2025, may affect benefit payment dates. The DWP typically reschedules affected payments for the Friday before or the following Tuesday. Stay updated through your banking app or the official DWP site.
Who Can Get the UK State Pension?
To qualify for the basic State Pension, you must:
-
Be born before 6 April 1951 (men) or 6 April 1953 (women)
-
Have at least 30 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions
People born after those dates will fall under the new State Pension system, requiring at least 10 qualifying years, with 35 years needed for the full amount.
A Closer Look: Additional State Pension (SERPS and S2P)
If you worked before April 2016, you may be eligible for extra pension income through:
-
SERPS (State Earnings-Related Pension Scheme)
-
S2P (State Second Pension)
These top-ups reward those with consistent work histories and contributions above the basic minimum.
FAQs
Q: Why will payments arrive early in April 2025?
A: Due to the Good Friday and Easter Monday bank holidays, DWP is moving scheduled payments forward to Thursday, April 17.
Q: Will my payment amount be different because it’s early?
A: No, the amount remains the same—it just arrives sooner. However, budget accordingly since the gap to your next payment is longer.
Q: How much will the full new State Pension be in April 2025?
A: It will increase to £230.30 per week, up from £221.20.
Q: Am I eligible for the £2,300 pensioner bonus?
A: If you’re on a low income or receiving certain benefits, you may automatically qualify. It’s designed to offset high living and healthcare costs.
Q: Will May 2025 payments also change?
A: Yes, likely around the May 26 bank holiday. Exact dates depend on your specific benefit cycle.
Final Thought
With cost-of-living pressures still a major concern for retirees, these changes to benefit schedules and the additional bonus payments offer some relief—but also call for careful planning. Stay informed, check your payment dates, and take advantage of government support wherever possible.
For official updates, visit: GOV.UK State Pension Page