Some UK state pensioners were surprised to see their pension money arrive early this Friday morning. Due to the upcoming Bank Holiday on Monday, May 5, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has sent out payments early for certain pensioners. If you receive your pension on a Monday, your money will land in your account early—just in time for the long weekend.
What Is the Full New State Pension?
For the 2025–26 financial year, the full New State Pension is £230.25 per week. This amount applies to those who reached State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016. That totals around £921 every four weeks, usually paid directly into your bank account.
Payments are made every four weeks in arrears, meaning you’re paid for the past month, not the month ahead.
Who Got Paid Early and Why?
If your pension payment usually falls on Monday, May 5, which is a Bank Holiday, then your payment was made on Friday, May 2 instead. This is standard DWP procedure when a payment date clashes with a non-working day such as a weekend or Bank Holiday.
The DWP follows a strict schedule based on your National Insurance number. Here’s how your usual payment day is decided:
00 to 19 – Monday
20 to 39 – Tuesday
40 to 59 – Wednesday
60 to 79 – Thursday
80 to 99 – Friday
When your usual payment day falls on a Bank Holiday, the DWP ensures you get your money early, so you’re not left waiting.
Many Pensioners Still Missing Out on Extra Help
Even though the basic State Pension is paid regularly, many older people don’t realise they could qualify for extra support through Pension Credit. According to Alicia Harries from the charity Independent Age, around 880,000 older people missed out on a share of £2.1 billion in Pension Credit support in 2021/22.
Some pensioners assume they don’t qualify because their income is slightly above the basic threshold. But what many don’t know is that certain benefits like Carer’s Allowance or Attendance Allowance can increase your eligibility level for Pension Credit.
Harries also explains that older people sometimes avoid claiming because they think it’s too complicated or because they feel others need the help more. But that’s not true—your claim doesn’t take away from anyone else, and there is support available to guide you through the process.
Why Early Payment Is a Helpful Reminder
While this early pension payment is welcome news for many, it also acts as a reminder to check what other financial help you could get. If you’re of pension age, especially if you’re living on a low income or providing unpaid care, it’s worth checking if you can get Pension Credit or other top-ups.
If you saw an early State Pension payment in your bank account this week, it’s because the DWP paid you ahead of the Bank Holiday. It’s a good time to also think about whether you might be missing out on extra financial help. With many older people not claiming the support they’re entitled to, it’s worth taking a few minutes to check. You might be eligible for much more than you think, and claiming it won’t affect anyone else’s benefits.
FAQs
Why did some pensioners receive their State Pension early this week?
Pensioners who were due to be paid on Monday, May 5 received their payment early on Friday, May 2 because of the Bank Holiday. The DWP issues early payments when the usual date falls on a weekend or holiday.
How much is the full New State Pension in 2025-26?
The full New State Pension is £230.25 per week in the 2025–26 financial year. This amounts to approximately £921 every four weeks, paid in arrears.
How is my State Pension payment date decided?
Your payment date is based on the last two digits of your National Insurance number. For example, 00–19 means Monday, 20–39 means Tuesday, and so on up to 80–99, which is Friday.
What should I do if I didn’t receive my pension early?
If your usual payment day was not affected by the Bank Holiday, you’ll receive your pension on your regular date. If you’re still unsure, contact the DWP for confirmation.
Am I missing out on Pension Credit or extra benefits?
Many pensioners miss out on extra support like Pension Credit. You may still qualify, especially if you receive Carer’s Allowance or Attendance Allowance. Check your eligibility to avoid losing out.
How do I find out about if I am eligible to get it or is it a load of promise