Some older state pensioners will receive two Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) state pension payments in September 2026, totalling up to £1,479.20. This applies to those whose National Insurance number ends in digits between 20 and 39, who are normally paid on Tuesdays.
September 2026 has five Tuesdays, meaning eligible pensioners will get their four-weekly basic rate payment twice in the same month. The maximum total from basic rate payments is £1,479.20, assuming a full National Insurance record, but this does not include any Additional Pension or SERPS increments.
Who Qualifies for the Double Payment
Older state pensioners who retired before April 2016 receive a lower basic weekly rate than new state pensioners: £184.90 per week compared to £241.30. This is despite the recent Triple Lock boost, which added 4.8% in April 2026.
Although state pension figures are often reported as weekly amounts, the DWP actually pays them every four weeks. The exact payment date depends on the last two digits of a person's National Insurance number, with those ending in 20 to 39 typically paid on Tuesdays.
Pension Credit and Additional Payments
For every four-week period, older state pensioners with a full National Insurance record can receive up to £739.60 from basic rate payments. Those with incomplete records will receive less, calculated on a case-by-case basis when they reach state pension age.
The annual sum of basic rate payments for an older state pensioner comes to £9,614.80. Pension Credit can top up income to £238 per week for those who only qualify for the basic state pension, though other income such as earnings, savings interest, or private pensions is counted first.
Future Tax Changes
Older state pensioners can still receive Additional Pension schemes such as SERPS and Second State Pension, which may increase their total payments above the base amounts. These schemes are no longer open to new members, but those enrolled before retirement continue to receive payments.
The Chancellor has announced that state pensioners who exceed the £12,570 Personal Tax Allowance will not owe tax on their state pension, as long as they have no other income. Details are yet to be revealed, though Additional State Pension schemes will not be exempted from tax, HM Treasury has confirmed.
