DWP benefits and state pension payment dates to change in March

The dates on which some people get their benefits from the DWP, as well as state pensions and tax credits, are to change in March and April this year. The dates have to change because of Easter, which has two bank holidays around a weekend.

The changes apply to people claiming:

Attendance allowance

Carer’s allowance

Disability living allowance

Income support

Jobseekers allowance

Pension credit

Personal independence payment (PIP)

State pension

Universal credit

Payments scheduled for Friday, March 29 or Monday, April 1 – the two Easter bank holidays for Good Friday and Easter Monday – will arrive in bank accounts slightly earlier. They will instead be made on Thursday, March 28.

There will then be further changes in May thanks to two bank holidays in that month. This will mean you get paid earlier again if your payments are due on Monday, May 6 or Monday, May 27.

April’s pension and benefits payments are set to be higher as well, thanks to the Government’s annual increase. The New State Pension rate will rise by £17.35 a week and the Basic State Pension will rise by £13.30 a week.

Pension Credit is going up by £17.10 a week for singles and £26.10 for couples.

Universal Credit is increasing by up to almost £50 a week – for joint claimants over 25, with increases starting at around £19 for single claimant under the age of 25. There are also increases in PIP, DLA, ESA, Housing Benefit and other payments.