The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will send early payments of up to £965 to some state pensioners a week before the August summer bank holiday. The early payments are due to the bank holiday, which falls on Monday, August 3 in Scotland and Monday, August 31 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
When a benefit payment date, including the State Pension, coincides with a bank holiday, the DWP issues the payment on the earliest working day before the holiday.
Scottish Pensioners Affected First
Pensioners in Scotland expecting their State Pension on Monday, August 3 will receive it on Friday, July 31, three days earlier than usual.
Following a 4.8% uplift on April 6, the full new State Pension is now £241.30 per week, and the full basic State Pension is £184.90 per week. Since the State Pension is paid every four weeks, those receiving the new State Pension can get up to £965.20 per payment period, while those on the basic State Pension can get up to £705.80. These amounts assume a full National Insurance record; those with fewer qualifying years receive less.
Rest of UK Payment Changes
For pensioners in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, payments due on Monday, August 31 will be made on Friday, August 28.
The DWP said: “Benefits are usually paid straight into your bank, building society or credit union account. If your payment date is on a weekend or a bank holiday you’ll usually be paid on the working day before.”
Pensioners can find their usual payment day by checking the two-digit code at the end of their National Insurance number. The codes correspond to payment days as follows: 00 to 19 – Monday; 20 to 39 – Tuesday; 40 to 59 – Wednesday; 60 to 79 – Thursday; 80 to 99 – Friday. If your code ends in 00 to 19, your payment may fall on a bank holiday Monday.
If your payment date changes due to the bank holiday, no action is needed; the money will be paid into your usual account.
The DWP added: “You’ll be asked when you want to start getting your State Pension when you claim. Your first payment will be no later than 5 weeks after the date you choose. You’ll get a full payment every 4 weeks after that.”
