More than 450,000 retired Britons are set to receive a significant financial boost this month, with average payments of around £450 arriving in bank accounts. The much-needed cash injection comes as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) processes outstanding payments following the annual state pension uprating.
Who Qualifies for the Extra Payment?
The payments are primarily directed at pensioners who reached state pension age before April 2016 and are claiming the older basic state pension. Many of these individuals have historically received lower payments than those on the new state pension system.
The key factor triggering these payments is the resolution of administrative delays following the government's implementation of the 8.5% state pension increase in April. This uplift saw the full new state pension rise to over £220 per week.
Payment Timeline: When Will the Money Arrive?
The DWP has been working through a backlog of cases throughout the summer. The majority of these corrective payments are expected to be processed and land in pensioners' accounts during September.
"This is a welcome relief for many pensioners who have been waiting for their full entitlement," said a spokesperson for a leading older persons' charity. "For those struggling with the cost of living, an extra £450 can make a substantial difference to their monthly budget."
What Should Pensioners Do?
- No action is required for most eligible individuals. The DWP is automatically identifying and processing these payments.
- Payments will typically arrive via the same method as your regular state pension payment.
- If you believe you are eligible but haven't received a payment by the end of September, you may wish to contact the DWP's Pension Service for clarification.
This financial boost comes at a critical time for many retirees, as energy bills remain high and inflation continues to impact household budgets. The extra funds will provide vital support to those who have been on the front line of the cost-of-living crisis.
