The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that benefit payments for March 2025 will generally follow the usual schedule. Since March does not include any UK-wide bank holidays, most recipients should receive their payments on their regular due dates.
However, there is an exception for Northern Ireland. St. Patrick’s Day, observed on March 17, is a public holiday in Northern Ireland.
This could cause slight delays for certain benefits, particularly Child Benefit. Those expecting payments on March 17 may receive them a day later, on March 18.
DWP All Benefits Payout Dates
For recipients in England, Scotland, and Wales, benefits will be paid according to the usual schedule. If a payment date falls on a weekend, the payment will typically be issued on the closest working day before.
Here are the DWP benefits expected to be paid in March 2025:
- Universal Credit
- State Pension
- Pension Credit
- Child Benefit
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
No delays are expected if your scheduled payment date falls on a weekday. However, if your payment date lands on a Saturday or Sunday, you may receive it earlier.
Schedule
The table below outlines the usual payment frequencies for different DWP benefits:
| Benefit Name | Payment Frequency |
|---|---|
| Attendance Allowance | Usually every 4 weeks |
| Carer’s Allowance | Weekly in advance or every 4 weeks |
| Child Benefit | Usually every 4 weeks, or weekly for certain cases |
| Disability Living Allowance (DLA) | Usually every 4 weeks |
| Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) | Usually every 2 weeks |
| Income Support | Usually every 2 weeks |
| Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) | Usually every 2 weeks |
| Maternity Allowance | Every 2 or 4 weeks |
| Pension Credit | Usually every 4 weeks |
| Personal Independence Payment (PIP) | Usually every 4 weeks |
| State Pension | Usually every 4 weeks |
| Tax Credits (e.g., Working Tax Credit) | Every 4 weeks or weekly |
| Universal Credit | Every month |
Adjustments
St. Patrick’s Day on March 17 is a public holiday in Northern Ireland. Child Benefit payments scheduled for this date may be delayed until March 18.
Other benefits are expected to be paid on their regular dates. However, recipients in Northern Ireland should check their bank statements and official communications from HMRC and DWP to confirm any adjustments.
Changes
March 2025 is the final month before several key policy changes take effect in April. These changes include benefit and pension increases, the end of the Household Support Fund, and the ongoing transition to Universal Credit.
Benefit and Pension Increases
- All DWP benefits, including Universal Credit, ESA, and JSA, will increase by 1.7% starting in April 2025.
- The State Pension will rise by 4.1%, providing higher payments for retirees.
Household Support Fund Ending
The Household Support Fund, which has provided financial aid for low-income families, will end in March 2025. This fund has helped households cover essential costs like food and energy bills.
Local councils have been managing these funds, so recipients should check with their local authority for any last-minute assistance before the scheme concludes.
Universal Credit Migration
The UK government is continuing its phased transition from legacy benefits to Universal Credit. This migration process, affecting those on benefits like Income Support and Tax Credits, is set to be completed by March 2026.
Claimants on older benefit systems may receive notifications about transitioning to Universal Credit in the coming months.
Missing Payments
If your benefit payment does not arrive on time, follow these steps:
- Check your payment date – Ensure that the expected payment date has passed.
- Verify your bank account – Look for the deposit in your bank statement.
- Contact the relevant authority – If your payment is missing, reach out to the appropriate department:
- DWP helpline: 0800 328 5644 (for Universal Credit and other benefits)
- Pension Service: 0800 731 0469 (for State Pension inquiries)
- HMRC Child Benefit Office: 0300 200 3100 (for Child Benefit concerns)
Receiving your benefit payments on time is essential for managing expenses. If a delay occurs, taking immediate action can help resolve the issue quickly.
