Millions of pensioners will receive their state pension payments early next month due to a major shake-up triggered by the August bank holiday.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) routinely adjusts payment schedules when regular payment dates coincide with public holidays.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that anyone due to be paid on Monday August 25, the summer bank holiday in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, will instead receive their payment on Friday, August 22.
This automatic rescheduling affects state pension recipients, alongside those claiming Pension Credit and a range of other DWP benefits.
The early transfer ensures that payments arrive when banks and Government offices are open.
However, it will also create a longer gap before the next payment, which may put pressure on household budgets during the ongoing cost of living crisis.
State pension recipients receive their payments based on a four-week cycle determined by the final two digits of their National Insurance number.
Those with numbers ending 00-19 typically receive funds on Mondays, whilst 20-39 corresponds to Tuesdays, 40-59 to Wednesdays, 60-79 to Thursdays, and 80-99 to Fridays.
The DWP said: “If your payment date is on a weekend or a bank holiday you’ll usually be paid on the working day before.”
This policy means that payments due over Saturday 23 or Sunday 24 in August will also be advanced to Friday August 22.
This policy means that payments due over Saturday 23 or Sunday 24 in August will also be advanced to Friday August 22
The amount paid will remain the same, and no action is needed from claimants.
The funds will arrive in the same bank account as usual.
Alongside the state pension, the following DWP benefits will also be paid early:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Child Benefit
- Disability Living Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
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Alongside the state pension, there are other DWP benefits that will also be paid early
HMRC has also confirmed that Child Benefit payments due on August 25 will follow the same early payment schedule.
In Northern Ireland, which is covered by the Department for Communities, identical payment protocols will apply. Scotland’s summer bank holiday falls on a different date, August 5, And follows a separate timetable.
The early payment may bring short-term relief, but experts warn it could stretch budgets. Those paid on August 22 will have a longer wait for their next four-weekly payment, possibly leaving less cash available toward the end of the cycle.
Claimants are advised to check their payment date and ensure their bank account details are up to date.
Anyone experiencing issues should contact the DWP helpline, particularly if payment has not arrived by the expected date.
The change applies to both the basic state pension and the new state pension, with no difference in eligibility or entitlement.
For more information, people can check the Government website.
