The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to make unexpected early payments to eligible state pensioners in May, ahead of the spring bank holiday on Monday, May 25. These early payments are due to the fact that the May Bank Holiday falls on a Monday, meaning some pensioners will receive their payments three days earlier.
Why Are State Pension Payments Being Made Early?
When a State Pension payment date coincides with a bank holiday or weekend, the DWP issues the payment on the earliest working day before. This year, pensioners whose payment is due on Monday, May 25, will instead receive it on Friday, May 22.
This early payment procedure is not new. In fact, the DWP has already issued early payments this month, ahead of the early May Bank Holiday on May 4. Those payments arrived three days earlier on Friday, May 1.
How the DWP Handles Bank Holiday Payments
For pensioners, understanding how the DWP handles payments when they fall on a bank holiday or weekend is important. Typically, the DWP ensures that pensioners receive their money before the holiday, so they do not face delays. Here’s the general rule for bank holidays:
- If your payment date falls on a bank holiday (e.g., Monday, May 25, in this case), the DWP will pay you on the working day before (i.e., Friday, May 22).
- This applies when the payment date falls on weekends or other public holidays.
State Pension Rate Increase in April
State pensioners will also benefit from the 4.8% increase in the State Pension, which took effect on April 6. This uplift will be reflected in May’s payment. As of April 6:
- The Full New State Pension can now pay up to £241.30 per week (up to £965.20 every four weeks).
- The Full Basic State Pension is now worth £184.90 per week (up to £739.60 every four weeks).
The increase helps pensioners keep pace with rising living costs, as it is linked to inflation and average earnings.
How to Determine Your State Pension Payment Day
Pensioners can determine their usual State Pension payment day by looking at the two-digit code at the end of their National Insurance number. This code indicates the day of the week when their payment is typically issued. Here’s how it works:
| National Insurance Code | Payment Day |
|---|---|
| 00 to 19 | Monday |
| 20 to 39 | Tuesday |
| 40 to 59 | Wednesday |
| 60 to 79 | Thursday |
| 80 to 99 | Friday |
For example, if your National Insurance number ends in 00 to 19, your usual payment day is Monday. If this date coincides with a bank holiday (like Monday, May 25), your payment will instead be made on Friday, May 22.
What to Expect If Your Payment Date Changes
If your usual State Pension payment date falls during a bank holiday this month, there’s no need to take action. The DWP will automatically adjust the date and ensure that your payment is made early. It will be paid straight into your bank, building society, or credit union account.
For example, if your payment day is Monday, May 25 (due to your National Insurance number ending in 00 to 19), you’ll receive your payment on Friday, May 22 instead.
You do not need to inform the DWP, as the payment changes will happen automatically, and the money will be deposited into your usual bank account.
The DWP’s Payment Process
Once you claim your State Pension, you’ll choose the payment date. From there, you’ll receive your full pension every four weeks on the day you selected. If your first payment is due within five weeks after your claim date, the DWP will pay you as agreed. You might also receive part of the payment before your first full payment, depending on your specific circumstances.
No Need to Act – Just Wait for the Early Payment
For those who usually receive their State Pension on Monday, May 25, the DWP has confirmed that the payment will be made three days earlier on Friday, May 22. This early payment is due to the spring bank holiday.
The 4.8% pension increase will also be reflected in May’s payment, meaning pensioners will get more money this month.
Pensioners should not worry if their payment day changes, as the DWP will take care of the adjustments and ensure payments are made into the usual accounts.
