State Pension payment change this month – DWP decision could affect when you are paid

State Pension payments are given to pensioners by the government in a gesture of goodwill for years of National Insurance (NI) contributions. The sum is often considered as a safety net for those who have departed from their jobs to start their retirement. The higher the number of years of eligible National Insurance contributions, the more a pensioner is likely to receive in their weekly entitlement.

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However, an upcoming change is taking place this month, which may affect when pensioners are paid. 

This month, the State Pension is set to be paid earlier for hundreds of people who are entitled to the payment.

Usually, State Pension payment falls on any day of the working week, however, when a pensioner is paid is dependent on the last two digits of their National Insurance number: 

  • Monday: Last two digits – 00 to 19
  • Tuesday: Last two digits – 22 to 39 
  • Wednesday: Last two digits – 40 to 59
  • Thursday: Last two digits –  60 to 79
  • Friday: Last two digits – 80 to 99

However, as a result of the Bank Holiday, which traditionally falls at the end of May, some pensioners may receive their money on an earlier date.

For those who were expecting to receive their payment on May 25, the date they will receive the money will now be Friday, May 22.

This is because May 22 is the final working day before the Bank Holiday.

Pensioners who retired before April 6, 2016, are entitled to the ‘old’ State Pension system which could see them receive up to £134.25 per week.

Those who retired after this date will fall under the New State Pension system, and could gain up to £175.25.

Britons are encouraged to make savings arrangements in a personal pension to ensure they have enough money to sustain them in their retirement. 

State Pension is usually paid every four weeks, and is only typically disrupted as a result of Bank Holidays. 

These fall throughout the year, however, pensioners can expect to receive their payments earlier than expected if their sum is due to be paid on bank holidays.

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In addition to the typical State Pension amount, pensioners may also be able to take a range of measures to attempt to increase their entitlement.

By choosing to delay a claim on the State Pension, Britons may be able to increase payments in the long term.

Those married or in a civil partnership who are claiming the old State Pension could qualify for a top up through their partner’s National Insurance record. 

A person could also choose to pay voluntary National Insurance contributions which may increase their State Pension pot later down the line. 

Pensioners are even able to consult a personal financial adviser through the government website, who will be able to give individual information and help.

While the pension system can often prove complex, there is always assistance on hand.

Impartial bodies such as the Pension Advisory Service, Citizens Advice or the Money Advice Service can help current and future pensioners make decisions which suit them best. 

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