A former Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) employee has revealed how State Pension recipients can change their payment frequency from four-weekly to weekly with a simple phone call or letter.
During the current financial year, the full New State Pension is worth up to £241.30 a week, typically paid every four weeks in instalments of £965.20. However, many pensioners may not realise they can opt for fortnightly or weekly payments instead.
How to change payment frequency
Ex-DWP advisor Sandra Wrench, who has 42 years of experience dealing with State Pensions and benefits, explained that the frequency can only be changed if payments are already set up to be made into a bank account.
For those already receiving the New or Basic State Pension, Wrench advised: “If you have already made a claim for State Pension and are in receipt of four-weekly payments, and you want weekly payments, then phone the DWP change of circumstances (Pension Service) telephone number on 0800 731 0469, and request weekly payments.”
Alternatively, pensioners can write to The Pension Service, Post Handling Site A, Wolverhampton WV98 1AF, including their name, address and National Insurance number, and ask to be changed to weekly payments.
For those yet to claim
For people about to claim the New State Pension, Wrench said: “If you are yet to claim your State Pension, put in the information box on the State Pension claim form ‘Please pay my pension weekly’.”
The former DWP employee noted that the four-weekly payment schedule can make budgeting difficult, especially for those accustomed to monthly salaries. She said: “From your ‘budget point of view’ it may be easier to be paid weekly then you know exactly how much State Pension has been paid into your account each month.”
She added: “For some members of the public who are used to being paid their wages weekly, claiming a State Pension which is paid every four weeks, can cause problems financially and make it difficult for them to budget.”
Previous awareness
In 2021, BBC Radio 4 Money Box presenter and financial journalist Paul Lewis highlighted the weekly payment option in the Radio Times. He said: “Three quarters of all pensioners are paid four weeks in arrears, but a State Pension can also be paid weekly. The Government hides this option when people apply, as the application form simply says ‘State Pension is usually paid every four weeks’.”
