Thousands of pensioners will get their state pension payments earlier than usual next week because of changes to payment dates over the August bank holiday.
The change applies to both the basic state pension and the new state pension, with no difference in eligibility or entitlement.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that anyone scheduled to be paid on Monday, August 25, when the summer bank holiday falls in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, will instead receive their money on Friday, August 22.
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These changes are made routinely whenever payment dates clash with public holidays, ensuring people do not have to wait until after the long weekend to access their money.
The early transfer ensures that payments arrive when banks and Government offices are open.
However, it will also create a longer gap before the next payment, which may put pressure on household budgets during the ongoing cost of living crisis.
The adjustment happens automatically and applies to all affected payments, including the state pension, Pension Credit and other benefits handled by the DWP.
The change will also affect those whose payments are due on Saturday, August 23 or Sunday, August 24, with funds arriving on the Friday instead.
This policy means that payments due over Saturday 23 or Sunday 24 in August will also be advanced to Friday August 22 | GETTY State pension recipients receive their payments based on a four-week cycle determined by the final two digits of their National Insurance number.
The DWP said: "If your payment date is on a weekend or a bank holiday you’ll usually be paid on the working day before."
State pension recipients are paid on a four-week cycle determined by the final two digits of their National Insurance number.
Numbers ending in 00-19 are usually paid on Mondays, 20-39 on Tuesdays, 40-59 on Wednesdays, 60-79 on Thursdays, and 80-99 on Fridays.
Numbers ending in 00-19 are usually paid on Mondays
| PAThe payment amount will not change, and recipients do not need to take any action. The money will be paid into the same bank account as normal.
Alongside the state pension, the following DWP benefits will also be paid early:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Child Benefit
- Disability Living Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
HMRC has confirmed that Child Benefit payments scheduled for August 25 will also be made early
| GETTYHMRC has confirmed that Child Benefit payments scheduled for August 25 will also be made early.
In Northern Ireland, where payments are managed by the Department for Communities, the same arrangements will apply. Scotland’s summer bank holiday takes place on August 5 and follows a different payment timetable.
While the change offers short-term relief, experts caution that receiving money early could make it harder for some households to manage their budgets over the longer term.
Anyone experiencing issues should contact the DWP helpline, particularly if payment has not arrived by the expected date.
For more information, people can check the Government website.