More than 20 million people in the UK rely on benefits or pensions to support their income. That’s nearly one-third of the population depending on financial aid from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
While benefits act as a lifeline for many, they often fall short of covering basic needs. Research suggests that universal credit leaves people around £30 short each week when it comes to affording essentials. Despite this, benefits remain a crucial safety net, offering much-needed financial relief.
This spring, benefits will see a small increase, though not enough to lift struggling households out of poverty. However, any boost—no matter how small—can make a difference in the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Many people may also be missing out on benefits they are entitled to. Around £23 billion in benefits go unclaimed each year, often due to stigma or the complexity of the system. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, it’s worth checking—you might be entitled to more than you think.
Here’s everything you need to know about benefits and pensions in March 2025, including payment dates, missing payments, eligibility checks, and upcoming changes.
State Pension Payment Dates in March 2025
State pensions are usually paid every four weeks, based on the last two digits of your National Insurance (NI) number:
- 00 to 19 – Monday
- 20 to 39 – Tuesday
- 40 to 59 – Wednesday
- 60 to 79 – Thursday
- 80 to 99 – Friday
Your first state pension payment arrives no later than five weeks after the date you choose when making your claim. Payments might be made earlier if your scheduled date falls on a bank holiday.
What to Do If Your Benefit Payment Is Missing
If your benefit payment hasn’t arrived on the expected date:
- Check your award notice – Confirm the payment date in your benefits letter.
- Consider bank holidays and weekends – Payments can be delayed until the next working day.
- Contact your bank – Sometimes, payments are pending and waiting to be processed.
- Reach out to DWP or HMRC – If the payment is still missing, contact the relevant department:
- Universal Credit: Call 0800 328 5644 or check your online account.
- PIP (Personal Independence Payment): Call 0800 121 4433.
- Tax Credits or HMRC-related benefits: Contact HMRC directly.
Are You Eligible for Additional Benefits?
You might be entitled to benefits if you are:
- Working or unemployed
- Sick or disabled
- A parent or carer
- A young person
- An older person
- A veteran
Changes to Benefit Payments from April 2025
- Universal Credit and Other Benefits
- Benefits will increase by 1.7% from April 2025.
- This is based on September 2024’s inflation rate of 1.7%—the lowest in over three years.
- The increase will only provide a few extra pounds per month for most claimants.
- Charities continue to call for higher increases to help people afford basic essentials.
- State Pension Increase (Triple Lock)
- The state pension will rise by 4.1% in April 2025.
- The increase is based on wage growth, which was higher than inflation or the 2.5% minimum.
- New State Pension (Post-2016 retirees): £230.25 per week.
- Basic State Pension (Pre-2016 retirees): £176.45 per week.
Winter Fuel Payment 2025: Who Is Eligible?
The Winter Fuel Payment, worth up to £300, was previously given to all pensioners to help cover heating costs in winter. However, the Labour government has restricted it to only those on pension credit and other means-tested benefits.
Eligibility Requirements for Pension Credit
- You must be on a low income
- You must live in England, Scotland, or Wales
- You must have reached state pension age
Northern Ireland has a separate scheme for pension credit applicants.
You can apply for pension credit online up to four months before reaching state pension age.
- Missed your payment? If you think you were eligible but did not receive it by 29 January 2025, contact the DWP Winter Fuel Payment Helpline at 0800 731 0160.
Why Your Benefits Payment Time Might Vary
The exact time you receive your payment depends on:
- Your bank’s processing system
- The DWP’s payment system
DWP payments are processed using Bankers’ Automated Clearing Services (BACS), meaning:
- Payments often arrive between midnight and early morning
- Some banks process payments faster than others
- If your payment is later than usual, don’t panic—it may just be delayed
If your payment still hasn’t arrived the following day, follow the steps outlined earlier to check with your bank or contact DWP/HMRC.
Benefits and pensions provide essential support to millions of people across the UK. While a 1.7% increase in benefits and a 4.1% state pension rise from April 2025 may not be enough to tackle poverty, it will offer some relief.
If you haven’t received a payment, check your awards notice, bank status, and DWP contact details. Many people also miss out on benefits they are entitled to, so use a benefits calculator to check if you qualify for additional financial help.
With £23 billion in unclaimed benefits each year, make sure you’re not missing out on support that could help you cope with the cost of living crisis.
FAQ’s
When will my state pension be paid?
State pensions are paid every four weeks based on the last two digits of your National Insurance number. Payments are made from Monday to Friday.
How much will benefits increase in April 2025?
Benefits will rise by 1.7%, adding only a few extra pounds per month for most claimants. The state pension will increase by 4.1%.
What should I do if my benefit payment is missing?
Check your award notice, confirm with your bank, and contact the DWP or HMRC if the payment has not been received by the next working day.
