With the new financial year approaching, benefits for claimants in Northern Ireland are set to rise. The Department for Work and Pensions announced a series of changes in January, which are set to take place in April.
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions is obliged to review the level of benefits and State Pensions annually.
Benefits linked to inflation will rise by 1.7% in April 2025, as will inflation-linked benefits administered by HMRC.
What dates will benefits be paid in April?
Benefit payment schedules in Northern Ireland are typically quite consistent each month. However, if a payment date coincides with a weekend or bank holiday, payments are usually advanced to the preceding working day.
In April, we have two bank holidays: Friday, April 18th, and Monday, April 21st. As a result, payments due on these dates should be paid on Thursday 17th April.
How often are benefits paid in Northern Ireland?
| Benefit | How often it's paid |
| Attendance Allowance | Usually every four weeks |
Carer’s Allowance | Weekly in advance, or every four or 13 weeks |
Child Benefit | Usually every four weeks, or weekly if you’re a single parent or you or your partner are getting certain benefits |
Disability Living Allowance | Usually every four weeks |
Employment and Support Allowance | Usually every two weeks |
Income Support | Usually every two weeks |
Jobseeker's Allowance | Usually every two weeks |
Pension Credit | Usually every four weeks |
Personal Independence Payment | Usually every four weeks |
State Pension | Usually every four weeks |
Tax credits, for example, Working Tax Credits | Every four weeks or weekly - check your payment dates for tax credits or Child Benefit if you’re paid every four weeks. |
Universal Credit | Twice monthly |
What should I do if I haven't received my benefit payment on the expected day?
If your payment hasn't arrived in your account when you think it should have, double-check the payment date on your award notice. If you have checked your payment date and it isn't a bank holiday, then you should contact your back to ask if there is a payment waiting to be processed.
If it is still missing, you should contact the relevant department. If your query relates to Universal Credit you should call 0800 012 1331, for missing PIP payments, call 0800 587 0932 (0800 587 0937 if you are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus, or have speech difficulties).
How much are benefits going up in April 2025?
Benefit rises are increased by September's rate of inflation. As a result, benefits will increase by 1.7 percent in April 2025.
How much will the state pension increase?
State pension increases are determined by the 'triple-lock' which means that it rises by whichever is highest between inflation, wage growth or 2.5 per cent.
This year's wage growth was 4.1 per cent, which means that pensioners who reached state pension age after April 2016 will receive £230.25 a week.
How are benefits paid in Northern Ireland?
When you apply for benefits, you will be asked for your bank, building society or credit union account details when you claim. You can normally only get paid in a different way if you have problems opening or managing an account.
If you cannot open or manage a bank, building society or credit union account, you should contact the office that pays your benefit to find out how to get it paid.
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