State pensioners with National Insurance (NI) numbers ending in digits 60 to 79 will receive a second Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) state pension payment in July 2026. Under standard DWP payment schedules, claimants with these NI numbers are normally paid on Thursdays. Because July 2026 contains five Thursdays, these pensioners will be paid their state pension lump sum twice during the month.
How the State Pension is Paid
The State Pension is typically paid every four weeks into an account of the claimant's choice. If a pensioner wishes to change the account, they must notify the Pension Service. The specific day of payment depends on the claimant's National Insurance number. For those with NI numbers ending 60 to 79, payment day is Thursday.
When claiming a deferred State Pension, the claimant is asked when they want payments to begin. The first payment is made at the end of the first full week in which the pension is to start.
New State Pension vs Old State Pension
Age UK explains: "The new State Pension was introduced in 2016 to replace the old State Pension (sometimes referred to as 'the basic State Pension'). Those who already qualified for the old State Pension will continue to receive it, but new claimants receive the new State Pension. Eventually, the old State Pension will be phased out completely."
For people born between April 1960 and March 1961, the State Pension age is rising gradually from 66 to 67 over the next two years. Those born from April 1961 to March 1977 will reach State Pension age at their 67th birthday. A further rise to 68 is planned for those born from April 1977 onwards, but this is subject to review.
Claiming Your State Pension
Pensioners do not receive the State Pension automatically; they must claim it. An invitation letter from the Pension Service is typically sent around four months before reaching State Pension age. Claimants have the choice to claim then or defer for higher future payments. Age UK advises: "Deferring might mean you get more pension when you do claim – but it can also affect any benefits you get now. It's best to seek advice if you're thinking about deferring."
