The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that state pensioners will receive surprise payments within days, as a result of the upcoming bank holiday. Payments are scheduled to be made earlier than usual to accommodate the May 25 bank holiday.
Early Payments Explained
Benefits are typically paid directly into bank, building society, or credit union accounts. However, due to the bank holiday, the DWP will process payments up to 72 hours earlier for some recipients. The DWP states: "If your payment date is on a weekend or a bank holiday, you’ll usually be paid on the working day before."
Benefits Affected
This change applies not only to the state pension but also to other four-weekly benefits, including:
- Attendance Allowance
- Child Benefit (from HMRC)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Maternity Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Universal Credit
How State Pension Is Paid
When claiming the state pension, claimants are asked for bank, building society, or credit union account details. Alternative payment methods are available only for those who have difficulty opening or managing an account. In such cases, recipients should contact the office that pays their benefit.
Payment Days Based on National Insurance Number
The day of payment depends on the last two digits of the National Insurance number:
- 00 to 19: Monday
- 20 to 39: Tuesday
- 40 to 59: Wednesday
- 60 to 79: Thursday
- 80 to 99: Friday
If the normal payment day falls on a bank holiday, recipients will be paid on the previous working day. This ensures that state pensioners and other benefit claimants receive their funds without delay.
