Government departments are reminding claimants to check their payment dates so they’re not caught off guard by early deposits over long weekends.

Child Benefit is normally paid on Mondays and Tuesdays, so anyone due a payment on Easter Monday should get it early.

“We always move payments forward when a bank holiday falls on the usual day, so people get their money in time,” a DWP spokesperson said.

Easter 2026: April payments moved forward

For many households, Easter will bring an early arrival of money.

Payments due April 6 2026 (including pensions, Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Child Benefit, and other DWP support) will instead arrive on April 2 2026.

HMRC and DWP explain that bank holidays mean banks are closed, so payments are brought forward to ensure claimants still have access to funds.

May and spring bank holidays

Other early payments this spring include:

• 4 May → 1 May (early May bank holiday)
• 25 May → 22 May (spring bank holiday)

This affects pensioners, Universal Credit recipients, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Child Benefit, and other regular payments.

Summer and autumn changes

Later in 2026, further adjustments apply depending on location:

• 3 August → 4 August (Scotland only)
• 4 August → 5 August (Scotland only)
• 31 August → 28 August (all UK)
• 28 December → 24 December
• 29 December → 30 December (Northern Ireland only)

Regional public holidays in Scotland (Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee) and Northern Ireland can also affect payment timing.

Why DWP payments change

The DWP and HMRC adjust schedules to ensure that:

• Claimants receive money before the bank closes
• There is no gap in essential support
• Payments arrive predictably despite long weekends

However, claimants should remember that after early payments, the next payment will follow the normal schedule, which may create a slightly longer gap between instalments.

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How to check your payment

• Look at your bank statement – payments normally appear with references like “DWP Pension” or “HMRC Child Benefit”
• For those on Universal Credit, check the online account for exact payment dates
• If a payment seems late, check with your bank first, then contact the DWP or HMRC if necessary

“Knowing when payments will arrive helps households manage their budgets, especially around busy bank holiday weekends,” a DWP spokesperson said.

James Alder and Brendon Shamu were sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on Friday, March 27.

Alder, 21, of Limborough Road, Wantage, and Shamu, 27, of Field Gardens, Steventon, near Abingdon, were both charged with drug dealing offences in Abingdon between October 1 last year and January 23 this year.

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Brendon Shamu (Image: TVP)

Both men pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of class A drugs, namely crack cocaine and heroin.

Shamu also pleaded guilty to being in possession of criminal property, namely £8,795 in cash.

The court heard they were involved with a county drugs line called the Dior Line.

Shamu was jailed for a total of 49 months and Alder for three years.

Orders were made for the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs, paraphernalia, phones and cash.

It has now been a year since Stephen, whose surname was never revealed by Thames Valley Police, was last seen.

The 54-year-old was reported missing on Sunday, April 20, last year, having not been heard from since March 30, 2025.

A statement issued by Thames Valley Police on Monday morning (March 30) stated that Stephen stopped at the East Isley Shell garage at approximately 8.15pm on March 31 last year, where he purchased a five-litre fuel can.

READ MORE: Police ‘increasingly concerned’ in search for missing schoolgirl

Missing man Stephen (Image: Thames Valley Police)

He then travelled by car, a blue Mazda 3, which was then abandoned by a field on the Ridgeway near Southfields, Aldworth, West Berkshire.

It is thought to have been there since March 31, 2025.

A comprehensive search of Stephen’s car and the area has been conducted, but a fuel can was not located.

Stephen is described by police as 5ft 11ins tall, of slim build, and may be wearing blue jeans, an open-necked top, a striped cardigan, walking boots and glasses. He is known to carry a backpack with him.

Stephen also has links to Littlehampton, West Sussex.

Thames Valley Police has now renewed its appeal for the public’s help to find missing man Stephen, releasing a fresh statement today (Monday, March 30).

READ MORE: Seven tiny puppies found abandoned under bush

Example of petrol can purchased by Stephen. (Image: Thames Valley Police)

Lead investigating officer, Detective Inspector Elizabeth Batchelor, said: “Ever since Stephen was reported missing in April last year, we have been growing increasingly concerned for his welfare.

“Our officers have searched the Ridgeway, where his car was abandoned, with support from Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue and have been continuing to make enquiries in an effort to trace him.

“We have been working hard to find Stephen since he was reported missing, and we are still appealing for the public’s help to locate him.

“So if you see Stephen, please call 999, quoting the reference number 43250192691.

READ MORE: Police catch ‘drunk driver overtaking on solid white line’

Example of petrol can purchased by Stephen. (Image: Thames Valley Police)

“We are also appealing to anyone who may have picked up a green five-litre fuel can, like the one pictured, on or around the time that he went missing, as we believe that this person(s) may have information that could assist our search. The can may have been filled with unleaded petrol.

“We are also asking anyone who may have seen or spoken to Stephen on Thursday, March 27, 2025, to please get in touch.

“Anyone with information on Stephen’s whereabouts, no matter how insignificant or small it may seem, please make a report via our website.

“Stephen, if you see this appeal, please know that you are not in any trouble, but we are concerned for you. So, please contact us and let us know where you are.”