The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that March 2025 benefit payments will follow the usual schedule for most recipients.
Since there are no UK-wide bank holidays in March, payments should arrive on their regular due dates.
However, St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) is a public holiday in Northern Ireland, which may slightly delay certain payments, particularly Child Benefit, for those in the region.
If your Child Benefit is due on March 17, you may receive it a day later, on March 18.
DWP Benefits Expected in March 2025
For claimants in England, Scotland, and Wales, payments will generally be made on time. If your scheduled payment date falls on a weekend, you will likely receive it on the closest working day before. The following benefits are expected to be paid as usual:
- 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)
If your payment date is on a weekday, no delays are expected. However, those expecting payments on Saturday or Sunday will likely receive their benefits earlier.
DWP Payment Schedule for 2025
| Benefit Name | Payment Frequency |
|---|---|
| Attendance Allowance | Every 4 weeks |
| Carer’s Allowance | Weekly in advance or every 4 weeks |
| Child Benefit | Every 4 weeks (or weekly in some cases) |
| Disability Living Allowance | Every 4 weeks |
| Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) | Every 2 weeks |
| Income Support | Every 2 weeks |
| Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) | Every 2 weeks |
| Maternity Allowance | Every 2 or 4 weeks |
| Pension Credit | Every 4 weeks |
| Personal Independence Payment (PIP) | Every 4 weeks |
| State Pension | Every 4 weeks |
| Tax Credits (Working Tax Credit, etc.) | Every 4 weeks or weekly |
| Universal Credit | Every month |
Adjustments for St. Patrick’s Day in Northern Ireland
Since March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day) is a public holiday in Northern Ireland, some benefit payments may be affected.
The most likely change is to Child Benefit payments, which may be delayed to March 18.
Other benefits should be paid on time, but recipients in Northern Ireland should check their bank statements and official DWP or HMRC communications for any updates.
Important Changes Coming in April 2025
March 2025 is the last month before several key changes take effect in April. Here’s what’s changing:
1. Annual Increase in DWP Benefits and State Pension
- All DWP benefits (including Universal Credit, ESA, and JSA) will increase by 1.7% from April 2025.
- The State Pension will rise by 4.1%, giving retirees a higher income.
2. End of the Household Support Fund
The Household Support Fund (HSF), which has provided financial aid for low-income families, will end in March 2025. This fund has helped with the cost of food, energy, and essential goods.
Local councils have managed these payments, so recipients should check with their local authority for any last-minute assistance before the scheme ends.
3. Ongoing Migration to Universal Credit
The government is continuing the transition from legacy benefits to Universal Credit, with the full transition expected by March 2026.
If you receive benefits such as Income Support or Tax Credits, you may receive a notification in the coming months about moving to Universal Credit.
What to Do If Your Payment Does Not Arrive
If your benefit payment is missing or delayed, follow these steps:
- Check Your Payment Date – Make sure the due date has passed before taking further action.
- Verify Your Bank Account – Ensure the payment hasn’t already been deposited.
- Contact the Relevant Authority – If the payment is missing, reach out to the appropriate department:
- DWP helpline (Universal Credit & benefits) – 0800 328 5644
- Pension Service (State Pension inquiries) – 0800 731 0469
- HMRC Child Benefit Office – 0300 200 3100
Since benefits are a vital source of income for many households, it’s important to resolve any payment issues quickly.
DWP benefit payments for March 2025 will mostly follow the normal schedule, except for possible adjustments due to St. Patrick’s Day in Northern Ireland.
With benefit increases, the end of the Household Support Fund, and ongoing Universal Credit migration coming in April, recipients should stay informed about changes to their payments.
If you rely on DWP benefits, check your payment date, confirm bank transactions, and reach out to the DWP or HMRC if any issues arise.
