State pensioners born before 1953 are set to receive a surprise £739 payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) this week. The state pension payment date for May has been adjusted due to the upcoming bank holiday weekend.
Payment Date Change
Because Monday, May 25 is a bank holiday, payments will be brought forward to Friday, May 22. Under the new Triple Lock rates, the basic state pension is worth £739 a month. This means those born before 1953 (if women) will receive that sum this week.
State pensioners are paid based on the two-digit code at the end of their National Insurance number. Those with a National Insurance number ending in 00 to 19 are normally paid on a Monday. However, due to the bank holiday, this payment will be made 72 hours earlier.
How to Claim Your State Pension
Your state pension will not automatically appear in your bank account on your qualifying birthday; you must claim it. Sage explains: "Look out for an invitation in the post from the Pension Service around two months before you reach state pension age. If it hasn’t arrived, call them on 0800 731 7898."
Alternatively, you can request a claim form through the Pension Service website up to three months before reaching pension age. The easiest way to claim is online using the invitation code you receive. If you prefer not to use digital methods, you can ask for a paper claims form to be posted to you.
Information Needed to Apply
To apply, you will need your bank or building society details, the date of your most recent marriage, civil partnership or divorce (if applicable), and the dates of any time spent living or working abroad.
The state pension is usually paid into your account every four weeks in arrears. Your payment day depends on the last two digits of your National Insurance number:
- 00 to 19 – Monday
- 20 to 39 – Tuesday
- 40 to 59 – Wednesday
- 60 to 79 – Thursday
- 80 to 99 – Friday
