The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced a schedule change for State Pension and benefit payments due to the upcoming bank holidays. This means some older pensioners could find an unexpected sum of £705 landing in their accounts as early as next Wednesday, 31 December.
Why Are Payments Being Made Early?
Official DWP offices will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day. To ensure people are not left without funds, payments scheduled for these days will be issued earlier. This affects any payments due between 24 December 2025 and 2 January 2026.
Specifically, if your payment was due on Friday, 1 January 2026, you will instead receive it on Wednesday, 31 December 2025. The DWP advises anyone who does not get their payment on the scheduled revised date to contact the office that handles their benefit immediately.
Who Could Get the £705 Payment?
The figure of £705 represents the monthly amount for the full basic State Pension, which is currently £176.45 per week. This older pension scheme applies to individuals who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016.
To be eligible for the full amount, you need a complete National Insurance record. The required number of qualifying years depends on your gender and date of birth:
- Men: Usually need 30 qualifying years if born between 1945 and 1951, or 44 years if born before 1945.
- Women: Usually need 30 qualifying years if born between 1950 and 1953, or 39 years if born before 1950.
If you have fewer qualifying years, your weekly basic State Pension will be less than £176.45. It is also important to note that your State Pension may be taxable, depending on your total income.
Further Support and Allowances
The DWP reminds pensioners on a low income that they may still qualify for Pension Credit, even if they have some savings or another pension. This benefit can provide crucial extra financial support.
Additionally, those with a disability who require care may be eligible to claim Attendance Allowance. Individuals are encouraged to check their eligibility for these supports if they believe they might qualify.
