After the late Easter in April, more long weekends are on the horizon with upcoming bank holidays in May.
These public holidays will lead to changes in the usual benefit and pension payment schedules, so it’s important for claimants to be aware of the adjustments.
May Bank Holidays Overview
May begins and ends with two bank holidays that affect payment schedules. The first long weekend is on Monday, 5 May, followed by the Spring Bank Holiday on Monday, 26 May.
For most people, this means an extra day off work, as banks, building societies, government offices, and schools are closed.
However, it also results in changes to how benefits and pensions are distributed during these periods.
Benefit Payment Schedule in May
Typically, benefit payments are deposited directly into the bank, building society, or credit union accounts of claimants.
However, when a payment is due on a weekend or bank holiday, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) states that claimants will generally receive their payment on the working day before.
With two bank holidays in May, payment dates for benefits will be altered as follows:
- Monday, 5 May payments will be made on Friday, 2 May.
- Monday, 26 May payments will be made on Friday, 23 May.
In Northern Ireland, benefit payments are managed by the Department for Communities. Similar to the DWP, they ensure that payments are made on the last working day before a bank holiday.
DWP Benefit Payment Types
The following table shows the usual payment frequency for various DWP benefits, with adjustments for May’s bank holidays.
| Benefit | Payment Frequency | Payment Date for May |
|---|---|---|
| Attendance Allowance | Every four weeks | Friday, 2 May |
| Carer’s Allowance | Weekly or every four weeks | Friday, 2 May |
| Child Benefit | Every four weeks (weekly for single parents) | Friday, 2 May |
| Disability Living Allowance | Every four weeks | Friday, 2 May |
| Employment and Support Allowance | Every two weeks | Friday, 2 May |
| Income Support | Every two weeks | Friday, 2 May |
| Jobseeker’s Allowance | Every two weeks | Friday, 2 May |
| Maternity Allowance | Every two or four weeks | Friday, 2 May |
| Pension Credit | Every four weeks | Friday, 2 May |
| Personal Independence Payment (PIP) | Every four weeks | Friday, 2 May |
| Tax Credits | Weekly or every four weeks | Friday, 2 May |
| Universal Credit | Monthly | Friday, 2 May |
If your benefit payment is delayed, DWP advises checking the expected date on your award notice and bank account. If the payment still hasn’t arrived, claimants should contact the relevant helpline for assistance.
Pension Payment Schedule in May
Just like benefits, state pensions are deposited directly into the claimant’s bank, building society, or credit union accounts.
State pension payments follow a four-week cycle, and the payment date depends on the last two digits of the claimant’s National Insurance (NI) number.
Here’s a breakdown of how NI numbers correspond to pension payment days:
| NI Number Range | Payment Day |
|---|---|
| 00 to 19 | Monday |
| 20 to 39 | Tuesday |
| 40 to 59 | Wednesday |
| 60 to 79 | Thursday |
| 80 to 99 | Friday |
For those whose state pension is usually paid on Monday, the May bank holidays will result in the payment being moved to Friday, which are the working days before the bank holidays. So, the payment dates for May’s pension payments are as follows:
- Monday, 5 May pension payments will be made on Friday, 2 May.
- Monday, 26 May pension payments will be made on Friday, 23 May.
May’s bank holidays bring about some important changes to benefit and pension payment dates. For both benefits and pensions, if payments fall on a bank holiday, they will be moved to the last working day before. These small adjustments ensure claimants continue to receive their support without interruption.
FAQs
Why are benefit payments changed in May?
Benefit payments are altered in May due to the bank holidays. When a payment date coincides with a bank holiday or weekend, payments are made on the nearest working day before.
Will pension payments be delayed during the May bank holidays?
No, pension payments will be adjusted to ensure they arrive on the last working day before each bank holiday (Friday, 2 May and Friday, 23 May).
How can I track if my benefit payment has been delayed?
Claimants should check the expected payment date on their award notice and bank account. If payments are not received, they should contact the relevant government helpline.