State pensioners born before 1960 are being urged to check their bank accounts within 48 hours as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) brings forward payment dates due to the upcoming May Bank Holiday.
Payment Date Change
The new and basic state pension, for individuals who have reached state pension age, will be paid on Friday, May 22, the DWP has confirmed. This adjustment is because the May Bank Holiday falls on Monday, May 25. Typically, state pension payments are made every four weeks, but when a payment date coincides with a weekend or bank holiday, the DWP usually pays on the preceding working day.
How Payment Dates Are Determined
Your state pension 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
If your usual payment day is a bank holiday, you may receive your pension earlier. The DWP advises that if your state pension has not been paid on your scheduled date, you should contact the Pension Service immediately.
What to Do If Payment Is Missing
In the UK, call 0800 731 7898 (textphone: 0800 731 7339) to speak with an advisor. If you are outside the UK, contact the International Pension Centre. Remember that the state pension is usually paid every four weeks, so ensure your expected payment date falls within this cycle. Bank holidays can occasionally shift the exact deposit day.
Important Reminders
If you recently applied, your first payment can take up to five weeks from your chosen start date. Ensure the DWP has your correct bank details and current address, as payments may be paused if your file is flagged for a review. Also, you will not receive your state pension automatically; you should receive an invitation letter from the DWP four months before you reach state pension age.
