The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed State Pension payments of up to £965 for pensioners in November, based on a two-digit code at the end of their National Insurance number.
In the 2026 to 2027 tax year, the full new State Pension is worth £241.30 per week following a 4.8% uplift in April, in line with the triple lock. As payments are issued every four weeks, pensioners eligible for the full amount can receive up to £965.20 in each four-week payment period.
The old basic State Pension also rose by 4.8% in April, increasing to £184.90 per week, meaning those eligible for the full amount can get up to £739.60 from the DWP every four weeks. These amounts are based on a full National Insurance record, so pensioners with fewer qualifying years will receive less per payment period.
How the two-digit code determines payment dates
The new rates came into effect on April 6, and pensioners will continue to benefit from them in November and every month that follows until next April. The State Pension is typically paid every four weeks, and when you first claim it, you choose the date on which you want to receive your payment.
Pensioners can determine when they can expect their State Pension to be paid by checking the two-digit code at the end of their National Insurance number, as this specifies the date payments are normally issued. The DWP has confirmed that these two-digit codes correspond to the following payment days:
- 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
So if your National Insurance number ends in 19, for example, you can expect to get your State Pension payment from the DWP on a Monday, usually four weeks after your last payment.
What the DWP says about payment timing
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.”
“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,” the DWP added. “The day your pension is paid depends on your National Insurance number. You might be paid earlier if your normal payment day is a bank holiday.”
State Pension payments can sometimes be disrupted from month to month due to bank holidays, meaning pensioners have to make their cash last a little longer before their next payment arrives. As there are no bank holidays in November, payments will go out as usual and pensioners can expect to receive their money on their normal payment date.
