The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced an early payment schedule for thousands of state pensioners this week, with a sum of approximately £706 due to arrive ahead of the New Year.
Revised Payment Dates for New Year
Due to the bank holiday on Thursday, January 1, 2026, the DWP has brought forward its payment dates. Anyone whose state pension was due to be paid on New Year's Day will instead receive their money on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
In Scotland, where Friday, January 2 is also a bank holiday, the adjustment is more significant. Pensioners expecting payment on that date will also be paid on Wednesday, December 31.
Understanding the Basic State Pension Amount
The early payment relates to the full basic State Pension, which is currently set at £176.45 per week. Over a standard four-week period, this works out to roughly £706. The exact amount an individual receives depends entirely on their National Insurance record.
To qualify for the full weekly amount, a specific number of qualifying years of National Insurance contributions are required:
- For men: 30 qualifying years if born between 1945 and 1951, or 44 years if born before 1945.
- For women: 30 qualifying years if born between 1950 and 1953, or 39 years if born before 1950.
Those with fewer than the full number of qualifying years will receive a proportionally lower weekly pension.
What Pensioners Need to Know
The DWP has reiterated its standard policy that benefits, including the State Pension, are paid directly into a recipient's bank, building society, or credit union account. Payments due on a weekend or bank holiday are typically issued on the preceding working day.
A DWP spokesperson stated: “Some payments will be made earlier if they’re due between 24 December 2025 and 2 January 2026. Tell the office that pays your benefit if you do not get your payment on the day it’s scheduled.”
It is important to note that these changes apply to the basic State Pension. Individuals who are men born on or after 6 April 1951 or women born on or after 6 April 1953 will receive the new State Pension, which has different rates and eligibility criteria.
