The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that state pensioners with National Insurance numbers ending between 00 and 19 will receive their payments early this week, on Friday 28 August, instead of Monday 31 August. The early payment applies because the August bank holiday falls on the final working day of the month, and the DWP will bring forward all major benefit payments originally scheduled for 31 August.
State Pension payment days are determined by the last two digits of a claimant's National Insurance number. Those with digits 00 to 19 are normally paid on Mondays, but the DWP will now send the money on the last working day before the bank holiday, which is Friday 28 August.
All major benefits included in early payment arrangement
The DWP said: "Millions of people will receive essential financial support before the August bank holiday weekend, as the Government has confirmed that benefit payments will be brought forward to Friday 28 August."
They added: "The early payment arrangement will apply to all major benefits including Universal Credit, State Pension, Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, and Disability Living Allowance, ensuring that payments originally scheduled for 31st August reach recipients on time."
This means that not only state pensioners but also claimants of other key benefits will see their money arrive before the weekend, avoiding any disruption caused by the bank holiday closure.
State pension rates and maximum weekly payout
There are two different state pension rates. The basic, old rate is paid to men born before 1951 and women born before 1953. There is also the new rate, or full state pension, which applies to those reaching state pension age after April 2016.
The maximum payout for new state pensioners is £965 a week. This figure represents the full new state pension amount, which is the highest weekly sum available to those who qualify.
Labour Party Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms said: "We’re pleased to confirm that benefit payments due on the August bank holiday will be paid earlier. This will help ensure families and older people receive their money without disruption over the bank holiday period."
Payment day determined by National Insurance number
The day of the week you are normally paid depends on the last two digits of your National Insurance number. The full breakdown is as follows:
- 00 - 19: Monday
- 20 - 39: Tuesday
- 40 - 59: Wednesday
- 60 - 79: Thursday
- 80 - 99: Friday
For this specific bank holiday adjustment, only those in the 00-19 group, who would normally be paid on Monday 31 August, will receive their payment on Friday 28 August. Other groups, whose regular payment days fall later in the week, are not affected by this change.
Sir Stephen Timms added: "This Government is determined to ensure people up and down the country have the support and breathing room they need, which is why we’ve acted to take money off energy bills, increase the National Minimum Wage and lift half a million children out of poverty, as well as supporting people into good, secure jobs."
The early payment ensures that state pensioners and other benefit claimants in the affected cohort will have access to their funds before the bank holiday weekend, providing financial continuity during the extended break.
