Some state pensioners are being sent a second August payment under Labour Party government leader Andy Burnham this month. Due to a quirk in the calendar, retirees could be paid their Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) handouts twice.
Now he is in charge of the government, Labour leader Mr Burnham will oversee the welfare and benefits system, re-appointing Pat McFadden, the DWP minister. Those whose NI number ends in digits between 00 and 19 are normally paid on Mondays.
Who gets the second payment?
It means people paid on August 3 face a second payment on August 31. The State Pension age is currently 66 and it is gradually increasing. There are two systems: basic State Pension and new State Pension.
The amount you will get is based on your National Insurance contributions. You must make a claim for your pension - you will not get it automatically.
How to claim your State Pension
Independent Age explains: "You need to make a claim for your pension – you will not get it automatically. You should get a letter inviting you to claim up to four months before you reach State Pension age. But you can still claim if you do not get a letter."
"You can claim online up to three months before you reach State Pension age. You’ll need the invitation code from the letter about getting your State Pension. If you have not received this, you can ask for a code on the government website."
"You can also claim by phone or by post. Call the State Pension claim line up to four months before you reach State Pension age. Visit Gov.uk for contact details. If you’re claiming the basic State Pension, you can download a claim form from Gov.uk. If you’re claiming from abroad, contact the International Pension Centre."
Deferring your State Pension
The charity added: "You can delay (defer) claiming your State Pension. For each year you delay, your State Pension will be boosted by around 5% under the new State Pension, or around 10% under the basic State Pension."
"You do not have to do anything – simply delay claiming your pension. If you’re getting certain benefits, you will not be able to get any extra State Pension by delaying your claim. It could also affect your entitlement to some benefits. Visit Gov.uk for more information about deferring your State Pension."
