Some state pensioners will see a surprise payment land in their bank accounts this Friday, August 28. A certain group of over-66s will receive their State Pension cash ahead of the upcoming August Bank Holiday.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) pays benefits early if a claimant's regular payment date falls on a bank holiday. The money is deposited on the last working day before the bank holiday, and pensioners should be aware when their cash will arrive this week.
Who gets paid early
Those due to receive their normal four-weekly payment on August 31 will instead be paid on August 28. The change only applies to those whose payment date sits on Monday, August 31.
State Pension payment days are determined by the last two digits of your National Insurance number, with digits 00 to 19 normally paid on Mondays. Meanwhile, if your State Pension is normally paid on another day of the week, from Tuesday to Friday, your payment date will remain unchanged.
Other benefits affected
The early payment shift also applies to Pension Credit, Universal Credit, and Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The DWP said: "Millions of people will receive essential financial support before the August bank holiday weekend, as the Government has confirmed that benefit payments will be brought forward to Friday 28 August."
They added: "The early payment arrangement will apply to all major benefits including Universal Credit, State Pension, Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, and Disability Living Allowance, ensuring that payments originally scheduled for 31st August reach recipients on time."
Minister's comment and payment schedule
Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms said: "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."
The day of the week you are normally paid depends on the last two digits of your National Insurance number: 00-19 is Monday, 20-39 is Tuesday, 40-59 is Wednesday, 60-79 is Thursday, and 80-99 is Friday. Pensioners are advised to check whether they will get the money early as it could impact their budgeting plans for the upcoming month. The funds will be deposited into bank accounts automatically on Friday.
