The DWP is changing payments amid May disruption.
11:21, 30 Apr 2026Updated 12:28, 30 Apr 2026
The DWP is changing payments amid May disruption.
A three-day alert has been issued for people on Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Disability Living Allowance and Pension Credit. The DWP is changing payments amid May disruption.
The DWP and Labour Party government are introducing a big change owing to the May Bank Holiday on May 4. It will be followed by yet another Bank Holiday, on May 25.
But while the extra day off is welcome for claimants on DLA, PIP, Universal Credit and more, claimants face a change in their payments as the Bank Holidays disrupt opening hours for DWP Jobcentres and their phone lines.
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The DWP confirmed on X that Jobcentre Plus offices and phone lines will operate as normal on Friday, May 1, and will only reopen on Tuesday, May 5.
The second May bank holiday later in the month is expected to follow a similar pattern, with offices and phone lines remaining closed on May 25 and reopening on Tuesday, May 26.
It means DWP claimants face being unable to visit Jobcentres or get through to helpline staff for THREE consecutive days, or 72 hours. You can the appropriate number for your benefit to discuss a claim you’ve made.
You can use it to tell the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) about a change in your circumstances, for example if you start working or your income changes.
And you can ask to get communications in an alternative format, such as braille, large print or audio CD.
You’ll need your National Insurance number when you call any of these numbers. You can contact Jobcentre Plus by signing in to your online account – you’ll get a reply Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
If you cannot use your Universal Credit account, call the Universal Credit helpline. For Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Incapacity Benefit or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), call 0800 169 0310.