State pension warning as payment date to change for millions this month in DWP shake up

State pension warning as payment date to change for millions this month

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Temie Laleye

By Temie Laleye


Published: 01/08/2024

- 14:47

The state pension is usually paid every four weeks into an account of someone's choice

Millions of pensioners will get their state pension early this month, with the Department for Work and Pensions changing the date it will make the payment.

The state pension had been set to land in the bank accounts of some recipients on August 26.


However, with the date falling on the same day as the Summer Bank Holiday, the money will now be released early.

DWP will issue state pension payments on the Friday before this date - August 23 instead.

Official government guidance states: "Benefits are usually paid straight into your bank, building society or credit union account.

"If your payment date is on a weekend or a bank holiday you’ll usually be paid on the working day before."

State pensioner looks at finances

The state pension is usually paid every four weeks into an account of someone's choice

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If people don't receive their benefit payment one working day before the August bank holiday, they should contact the DWP directly.

The Department's offices and phone lines will be closed on August 26 because of the bank holiday, and officials say that the change in payment date will give staff the time to address any queries from recipients.

The state pension is usually paid every four weeks into an account of someone's choice.

The day their pension is paid depends on their National Insurance number.

They might be paid earlier if their normal payment day is a bank holiday.

Last 2 digits of one's National Insurance numberPayment day of the week
00 to 19Monday
20 to 39Tuesday
40 to 59Wednesday
60 to 79Thursday
80 to 99Friday

The state pension isn't the only state benefit that will be affected by the Summer Bank Holiday.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HMRC have confirmed the following benefits will be paid early in August:

  • Attendance Allowance
  • Carer's Allowance
  • Disability Living Allowance
  • Income Support
  • Jobseekers Allowance
  • Pension Credit
  • Personal Independence Payment
  • State pension
  • Universal Credit
  • Child benefit
  • Tax credits

Remaining bank holidays in 2024

After August, there are two more bank holidays before the end of the year which could impact when Britons receive their benefits.

Here's when the DWP or HMRC will make one's payments:

  • Christmas Bank Holiday: December 25 - payments will be made on December 24
  • Boxing Day Bank Holiday: December 26 - payments will be made on December 24

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