As spring approaches, bringing longer daylight hours and reduced heating costs, many UK households will welcome the increase in benefits and state pensions scheduled for April 2025.
- State benefits will rise by 1.7%.
- The state pension will increase by 4.1%.
However, this comes amid government plans to slash £5bn from the welfare budget, with a green paper on health and disability benefit reform expected at the end of March.
With these financial changes on the horizon, it’s important for benefit and pension claimants to know when payments will be made in March and how potential reforms could impact future payments.
Benefits
Most benefit payments are made directly into claimants’ bank accounts on their designated payment day.
However, if a payment date falls on a weekend or a bank holiday, the DWP pays it earlier—usually on the last working day before the holiday.
Payment Adjustments
- England, Wales & Scotland: No bank holidays in March, so payments will be made as usual, except for those falling on a weekend (which will be paid on the Friday before).
- Northern Ireland: Two bank holidays on March 17 and 18 mean affected payments will be made on Friday, March 14.
Payment Schedule
| Benefit Type | Payment Frequency |
|---|---|
| Attendance Allowance | Every four weeks |
| Carer’s Allowance | Weekly in advance or every four weeks |
| Child Benefit | Every four weeks (weekly for single parents and some claimants) |
| Disability Living Allowance (DLA) | Every four weeks |
| Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) | Every two weeks |
| Income Support | Every two weeks |
| Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) | Every two weeks |
| Maternity Allowance | Every two or four weeks |
| Pension Credit | Every four weeks |
| Personal Independence Payment (PIP) | Every four weeks |
| Tax Credits | Every four weeks or weekly |
| Universal Credit | Monthly |
Missed a Payment?
If you haven’t received your benefit payment on the expected date:
- Check your award notice and bank account to confirm the date.
- If the payment hasn’t arrived, contact the DWP helpline via the government website.
Pensions
State pension payments follow a four-week cycle, with the payment day based on the last two digits of the claimant’s National Insurance (NI) number:
| NI Number (Last Two Digits) | Pension Payment Day |
|---|---|
| 00 – 19 | Monday |
| 20 – 39 | Tuesday |
| 40 – 59 | Wednesday |
| 60 – 79 | Thursday |
| 80 – 99 | Friday |
Since March has no bank holidays in England, Wales, or Scotland, pension payments will not be affected.
For Northern Ireland residents, if a pension payment falls on March 17 or 18, it will be paid early on March 14.
Missed a Pension?
If there is an issue with your state pension payment, visit the DWP website helpline for assistance.
Welfare Cuts
While the April 2025 benefit and pension increases are positive news, the government is preparing to cut £5bn from the welfare budget.
A green paper on health and disability benefit reform is expected by the end of March, outlining potential changes that could impact future benefits eligibility and payments.
Government Cutting
The government argues that:
- Welfare costs are rising too quickly and need to be controlled.
- Health and disability benefits require reform to ensure funds go to those most in need.
- The welfare system should be more efficient and cost-effective.
Potential Reforms
Though full details have yet to be released, possible DWP welfare reforms may include:
- Stricter eligibility criteria for disability-related benefits.
- Changes to assessment procedures for PIP, ESA, and Universal Credit.
- Reduced financial support for some claimants.
Disability rights groups and charities have expressed concerns that benefit cuts could disproportionately affect vulnerable people, making it harder for them to access the support they rely on.
Final Thoughts
With benefits and pensions increasing in April, many households will get a small financial boost. However, the government’s £5bn in planned welfare cuts could mean stricter eligibility rules for some claimants later in the year.
For now, March benefit and pension payments will follow the usual schedule, except for Northern Ireland, where payments affected by bank holidays will be paid early on March 14.
As the government prepares to publish its green paper, benefit claimants should stay informed about potential changes that may affect their financial future.
FAQs
When do benefits increase in 2025?
Benefits will rise by 1.7% and the state pension by 4.1% in April 2025.
Will my benefit payment be affected in March?
Only if your payment date falls on a weekend or a Northern Ireland bank holiday.
How are pension payment dates determined?
They are based on the last two digits of your National Insurance number.
What is the government’s £5bn welfare reform plan?
A green paper is expected in March, focusing on health and disability benefits.
How can I check if my benefit payment has arrived?
Check your bank account and DWP award notice, or contact the helpline.
