Benefits Payment Dates in May 2025: What You Need to Know
Millions of people in the UK rely on benefits and financial support to get by, but every year, billions of pounds in unclaimed benefits go unnoticed. According to Big Issue, nearly £23 billion in benefits and financial help goes unclaimed each year, largely due to stigma around benefits and difficulties navigating the system.
The Big Issue reports that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is planning changes to the benefits system, including increasing universal credit for single people aged 25 and over by £7 a week in 2026 to 2027. However, some changes, such as disability benefit cuts, have sparked concerns. As Big Issue notes, “the DWP has announced a series of plans for the benefits system, including increasing universal credit for single people aged 25 and over by £7 a week in 2026 to 2027.”
## What Date Will My DWP Benefits Be Paid in May 2025?
The date your benefit is paid in May depends on which benefit you receive and the date you first received your benefit payment. Big Issue states that Universal Credit is paid monthly by the DWP, while Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Pension Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and State Pension are paid every four weeks after the date you received your first payment.
## What Date Will My Benefit Be Paid Over the May Bank Holidays?
Some people will receive their benefits from the DWP slightly early, ahead of the May bank holidays. The usual rule is that if your benefits payment is due on a bank holiday or weekend, you will be paid on the last working day before your payment was due. Big Issue explains that if you were due to get your benefit on 5 May, you will most likely get it on 2 May, and if you were due to get your benefit on 26 May, you will probably get it on 23 May.
## When Will My State Pension Be Paid in May 2025?
State Pension is usually paid every four weeks. The day your pension is paid depends on your National Insurance number. Big Issue provides a breakdown of the payment dates based on National Insurance numbers.
## What to Do If You Haven’t Received Your Benefit Payment on the Expected Day
If your benefit payment hasn’t arrived and you think you should have received it, double-check the payment date on your awards notice. If there has been a bank holiday or weekend, there’s a chance it may be delayed until the next working day. Big Issue advises contacting your bank to ask if there is a payment waiting to go through and, if still missing, contacting the office that handles your benefit or pension, such as the DWP or HMRC.
## How Much Did Benefits Go Up in 2025 and Why Haven’t I Got the Increased Rate Yet?
Benefits increased by 1.7% in April 2025. However, some Universal Credit claimants won’t see the increased rate until around June. Big Issue explains that this is because the new rate won’t be paid until people go through an assessment period starting 7 April or later.
## How Much Did State Pension Go Up in April 2025 and When Will I Get the Increased Rate?
State Pension increased by 4.1% in April 2025, according to the rules of the triple lock. Big Issue reports that the increased rate didn’t kick in until the new tax year started on 6 April, so if you got your last payment in early April, you may only see the higher sum in your next payment.
## How Do I Know If I Am Eligible for Benefits in May 2025?
You could be entitled to benefits and tax credits if you are working or unemployed, sick or disabled, a parent, a young person, an older person, or a veteran. Big Issue suggests using a benefits calculator to find out what you might be entitled to claim.
## What Changes Is the DWP Planning for Benefits?
The DWP has announced a series of plans for the benefits system, including increasing universal credit for single people aged 25 and over by £7 a week in 2026 to 2027. However, some changes, such as disability benefit cuts, have sparked concerns. As Big Issue notes, “the DWP is currently running a consultation into the proposed changes to the benefits system.”
## Are There Any Cost of Living Payments Planned for 2025?
Unfortunately, there are no cost of living payments planned for this year. The last cost of living payment reached eligible bank accounts in February 2024. However, Big Issue provides information on other cost of living help available for households who need it.
## Where Else Can I Get Cost of Living Help?
Benefits aren’t stretching far enough in the cost of living crisis, and there are no more cost of living payments planned for 2025. However, Big Issue suggests that people who are struggling financially may be eligible for charitable grants, and local councils may have a scheme that can help.
Source: Big Issue
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