The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that some State Pensioners will receive early payments of up to £965 this Friday, August 28, ahead of the late August summer bank holiday.
The early payments apply to those whose usual State Pension payment date falls on Monday, August 31, which is the summer bank holiday in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. When a benefit payment is due on a bank holiday, the DWP pays claimants on the earliest working day before.
Who is affected by the payment date change
The payment date change affects pensioners expecting their State Pension on Monday, August 31, regardless of where they live in the UK. Scotland follows the same principle, although its summer bank holiday was observed on August 3.
Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms said earlier this month: “We’re pleased to confirm that benefit payments due on the August bank holiday will be paid earlier. This will help ensure families and older people receive their money without disruption over the bank holiday period.”
How to check your payment day
Pensioners can determine their usual State Pension payment day by looking at the two-digit code at the end of their National Insurance number. The code specifies the date on which payments are normally issued:
- 00 to 19 – paid on Monday
- 20 to 39 – paid on Tuesday
- 40 to 59 – paid on Wednesday
- 60 to 79 – paid on Thursday
- 80 to 99 – paid on Friday
If your National Insurance number ends in 00 to 19, your usual payment date falls on a Monday, which may coincide with the bank holiday on August 31. In that case, you will receive your payment today, Friday, August 28.
Payment amounts and what to do
In the 2026 to 2027 tax year, the full new State Pension is worth £241.30 per week, while the full basic State Pension is £184.90. As the State Pension is paid every four weeks, those receiving the full new State Pension can get up to £965.20 per payment period, while those on the basic State Pension can get up to £739.60. These amounts assume a full National Insurance record.
If your payment date changes due to the bank holiday, no action is needed, as the money will be paid into your usual bank, building society or credit union account. The DWP said: “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.”
