The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that state pension payments of up to £965.20 will be made as usual on Monday, June 15, despite a one-off bank holiday in Scotland to mark the country's participation in the FIFA World Cup 2026 finals.
World Cup Bank Holiday in Scotland
First Minister John Swinney proposed the public holiday to allow people, businesses, and organisations in Scotland to celebrate the men's national team's opening match against Haiti. His Majesty King Charles approved the Royal Proclamation in February, recognising Scotland's first World Cup appearance since 1998.
While benefit payments are often disrupted when they fall on a bank holiday, the DWP has assured that this Scottish bank holiday will not affect state pension payments. A DWP spokesperson told The Express: "Payments will still process as they do for other Scottish Bank Holidays. Government Banking have confirmed that Bacs does not close for Scottish only Bank Holidays."
Payment Dates and National Insurance Numbers
State pensioners can determine their payment date by checking the last two digits of their National Insurance number. The schedule is as follows:
- 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
Those with National Insurance numbers ending in 00 to 19 will receive their payment on Monday, June 15, which coincides with the World Cup bank holiday in Scotland. However, payments will proceed as normal, with no early payment scheduled.
New State Pension Amounts
For new state pension claimants with a full National Insurance record, the DWP now pays £965.20 per four-week period. This follows a 4.8% increase under the triple lock, effective from April. The full weekly rate rose to £241.30, up from £230.25.
Older pensioners claiming the basic state pension receive a maximum of £184.90 per week, or £739.60 every four weeks, after the same 4.8% uplift.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden confirmed the rates last year, stating: "I am pleased to announce that the basic and new State Pensions will be increased by 4.8%, in line with the increase in average weekly earnings in the year to May-July 2025. This delivers on our commitment to the Triple Lock, increasing these rates in line with the highest of growth in prices, growth in earnings or 2.5%. From April, the full annual rate of the new State Pension will increase by around £575. The full annual rate of the basic State Pension will increase by around £440."
Pensioners without a full National Insurance record will receive less than the maximum amounts.
