Hello Everyone, If you rely on benefits in the UK, there’s an important update you can’t afford to ignore. From 2025, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is bringing in a new rule that directly affects how you get paid.
In simple terms: if your bank details aren’t up to date, you could face delays, missed payments, or even a temporary stop to your money. Sounds worrying, right? Don’t panic—we’ll walk you through everything you need to know.
What’s changing in 2025?
The DWP is tightening its payment system. From 2025 onwards, every benefit claimant must have accurate and verified bank details. That means if you’ve switched banks, opened a joint account, or just forgot to tell them about a change, your payments might get stuck.
Why is this happening?
There are a few reasons behind this shift:
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Fraud prevention: Sadly, benefit fraud has been on the rise. By making sure bank details match properly, the DWP can stop money going into the wrong hands.
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Fewer errors: Thousands of payments bounce back every month simply because of incorrect account numbers. This new check will cut that down.
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Faster processing: With clean and accurate records, the system can send payments quicker and with less hassle.
Who needs to take action?
Pretty much everyone who gets money from the DWP. That includes:
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Universal Credit claimants
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State Pensioners
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People on PIP, ESA, JSA, DLA
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Carers receiving Carer’s Allowance
So, whether you’re working-age, retired, or disabled, this applies to you.
What if you don’t update your details?
Here’s the reality:
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Your payment might not land on time.
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Money could bounce back to the DWP if the account is closed.
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In some cases, payments could be paused until you fix the issue.
And the most frustrating bit? It can take weeks for corrections to go through. That’s money you might rely on for bills, rent, or food.
How do you update your details?
Luckily, the process isn’t too complicated.
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Universal Credit: Log in to your online UC account, go to “Report a change”, and update your bank details.
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State Pension / Pension Credit: Call the Pension Service helpline and give them your new details.
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PIP, ESA, JSA, DLA: Ring the relevant DWP helpline. They’ll confirm your identity before updating.
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Carer’s Allowance: Update through the Carer’s Allowance Unit online or by phone.
What you’ll need handy
Before you pick up the phone or log in, make sure you’ve got:
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Your new account number and sort code
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The account holder’s name (exactly as the bank has it)
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Your National Insurance number
A small mistake—like one wrong digit—can hold everything up, so double-check before you submit.
When should you update?
The golden rule: as soon as you change your bank account. Don’t wait until the old account is closed, because that’s when payments bounce. Ideally, update at least two weeks before your next payment date.
No bank account?
By 2025, almost all payments will need a bank account. Post Office card accounts are being phased out.
If you don’t have one yet, most banks offer basic bank accounts that are free and don’t require a good credit history. These are designed for people exactly in this situation.
A note for pensioners
If you’re drawing your State Pension, pay extra attention. Many older people forget to update details when switching banks, or they rely on someone else to manage their money.
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Check your account is still open.
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Update the Pension Service immediately if anything changes.
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Don’t close your old account until you’ve received at least one payment in the new one.
Is it safe to update online?
Yes. The DWP uses secure government systems. You’ll be asked to confirm your identity with your National Insurance number and sometimes security questions.
Just be careful: the DWP will never ask for your bank PIN or password. If you get a suspicious call or message, hang up and contact the official helpline.
What if you enter the wrong details?
If you accidentally enter the wrong account number, your payment will bounce back. The DWP will then try to contact you, but it could mean waiting weeks for your money. Again—triple-check before you confirm.
Can you use a joint account?
Yes, you can. Just make sure your name is listed as one of the account holders. If you’re switching from a personal to a joint account, remember to tell the DWP straight away.
How to check your details right now
Here’s a quick checklist to save you stress later:
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Log in to your benefit account or call the helpline.
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Ask what bank details they currently have for you.
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Compare them with your actual bank card or statement.
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If anything doesn’t match, correct it today.
Extra tips to avoid delays
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Keep your old account open until the new one is working.
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Tell your bank you get benefits so they can help make the switch smooth.
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Set a reminder in your phone whenever you make account changes.
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Update other services (like HMRC or local council) at the same time.
Where to get help
Not everyone is confident with forms and phone calls. If you’re unsure, you can:
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Visit your local Jobcentre Plus.
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Call the official DWP helpline.
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Ask a trusted family member or carer to help.
Final thoughts
The DWP’s 2025 rule change might feel like just another bit of red tape, but it’s actually about making the system safer and faster. The bottom line is simple: keep your bank details up to date.
If you act early, you’ll avoid missed payments and the stress that comes with them. Whether you’re on Universal Credit, receiving your pension, or getting disability support, take five minutes now to check your details. It could save you weeks of hassle later.