MILLIONS of Brits on benefits and the state pension will see their payments arrive earlier than usual this Easter.
Here’s everything you need to know about when your money is coming in and why it’s arriving ahead of the usual date.
The 2026 Easter bank holidays fall on Good Friday (April 3) and Easter Monday (April 6), meaning banks, government offices and many services will be closed on both of those days.
Because of this, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that pension and benefit payments due on either of those dates will be paid early.
Gov.uk says: “Benefits are usually paid straight into your bank, building society or credit union account.
“If your payment date is on a weekend or a bank holiday you’ll usually be paid on the working day before.”
However, Easter Monday is not a bank holiday in Scotland.
This means many claimants north of the border will only see their payments moved if they fall on Good Friday – April 3.
But as some areas in Scotland do observe Easter Monday as a local holiday, it might be worth checking your local authority’s arrangements if you are affected in any way by the change in payment dates.
It is also worth noting that April marks the start of a new financial year, bringing with it a raft of benefit rate increases.
Most DWP benefits, including Personal Independence Payment (PIP), will increase by 3.8 per cent from April 6, while the state pension is set to rise by 4.8 per cent.
Universal Credit is also changing, with increases varying depending on which elements you receive.
The new rates apply from the first assessment period starting on or after April 6.
What are the benefit payment dates for April 2026?
Anyone due a payment on Good Friday or Easter Monday will receive their money on Thursday, April 2 instead.
Payments that are not due on either of the Bank Holidays will arrive as usual.
The affected benefits include Universal Credit, PIP, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, and Attendance Allowance.
Child benefit, which is administered by HMRC rather than the DWP, is also affected, with payments due on April 6 moving to April 2.
Receiving your money a few days early does not mean your next payment comes any sooner.
The following payment will still fall on its normal date, meaning there could be a slightly longer gap between instalments than usual.
For households on tight budgets, it is worth bearing that in mind when planning spending over the Easter period.
If a payment does not arrive on the expected date, claimants are advised to first check their bank account and online DWP account before making contact.
The Universal Credit helpline is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, except public holidays, and the number is 0800 328 5644.
What are the pension payment dates for April 2026?
State pension payments follow the same Bank Holiday rules as benefits.
Anyone whose usual state pension date falls on Good Friday or Easter Monday will be paid on Thursday, April 2 instead.
The day on which pensioners are normally paid is determined by the last two digits of their National Insurance number.
Those with numbers ending 00 to 19 are paid on Mondays, 20 to 39 on Tuesdays, 40 to 59 on Wednesdays, 60 to 79 on Thursdays and 80 to 99 on Fridays.
From April 6, the full new state pension rises to £241.30 a week, while the basic state pension increases to £184.90 – a boost of 4.8 per cent under the triple lock guarantee.
