Some state pensioners will see a second payment of around £965 land in their bank account on Wednesday, September 30. The cash is not a bonus but an early payment caused by a calendar quirk, according to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
The DWP pays the State Pension in four-week cycles rather than on a fixed monthly date. Because this month contains five Wednesdays, claimants who were paid on September 2 are due to be paid twice.
How much will pensioners receive?
Retirees claiming the full rate of the New State Pension will receive a combined total of £1,930.40 this month, as their four-weekly payment of £965.20 is doubled in September. Those claiming the full basic State Pension will receive a combined total of £1,479.20, with their usual £739.60 rate paid every four weeks doubled.
The payment date depends on the claimant's National Insurance number. Anyone with digits 40 to 59 will be paid again on Wednesday, as their regular four-week payment arrives earlier.
What pensioners should do
Pensioners are reminded that this means a longer gap before their next payment in October. The money is not a bonus, so experts recommend setting some cash aside to avoid being left short next month.
Think Money, a UK-based banking and financial services provider, said: "If you receive two State Pension payments in September, it is worth checking your budget before spending the money. It could be a good idea to keep some of the second payment aside for October bills, as well as checking when your next payment is due. Make sure regular direct debits and household bills are covered for both September and October and contact the Pension Service if the amount looks different from normal."
DWP guidance on payments
The DWP said: "The basic State Pension is usually paid every 4 weeks into an account of your choice. If you want to change the account, tell the Pension Service. The day your pension is paid depends on your National Insurance number."
The department added: "After you've claimed your State Pension you'll get a letter about your payments. The new State Pension is usually paid into your account every 4 weeks. If you want to change the account, tell the Pension Service. There are different rules if you live abroad. 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. You might get part of a payment before your first full payment. The letter confirming your State Pension payment will tell you what to expect."
Whether a pensioner receives two payments depends on their normal payment schedule. Payment days are linked to the last two digits of the National Insurance number: 00 to 19 on Monday, 20 to 39 on Tuesday, 40 to 59 on Wednesday, 60 to 79 on Thursday, and 80 to 99 on Friday. Payments may be made earlier if the normal payment day is a bank holiday.
