State pensioners will receive their payments up to £921 earlier than usual this week, thanks to the May bank holidays. With two bank holidays bookending the month, the first on Monday, May 5, and the second on Monday, May 26, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is adjusting the payment dates for State Pension claimants.
Early Payments Due to Bank Holidays
State Pension payments are typically made every four weeks, with the specific payment day determined by the pensioner’s National Insurance number. However, when a payment date coincides with a weekend or bank holiday, the DWP typically moves the payment to the nearest working day before.
Since May has two bank holidays, pensioners can expect to see their payments earlier than usual:
- If your payment is usually due on Monday, May 5, it will instead be paid on Friday, May 2.
- If your payment is usually due on Monday, May 26, it will instead be paid on Friday, May 23.
How to Know Your Payment Day
To determine when your State Pension is usually paid, you can check the last two digits of your National Insurance number. The number corresponds to a specific payment day, as follows:
- 00 to 19: Paid on Monday
- 20 to 39: Paid on Tuesday
- 40 to 59: Paid on Wednesday
- 60 to 79: Paid on Thursday
- 80 to 99: Paid on Friday
If your National Insurance number ends in 00 to 19, your payment typically falls on a Monday. If this aligns with a May bank holiday, you will receive your payment early, on the Friday before.
No Action Required for Early Payments
Pensioners don’t need to take any action if their payment date changes due to the bank holidays. The DWP will ensure the payment is made directly into your usual bank, building society, or credit union account.
The DWP explained: “Benefits are usually paid straight into your bank, building society, or credit union account. If your payment date is on a weekend or a bank holiday, you’ll usually be paid on the working day before.”
Pensioners can enjoy an earlier payday this May due to the bank holidays. As long as your payment falls on a holiday or weekend, you will receive it one working day earlier, ensuring that you don’t miss out on your expected funds.
FAQs
When will my State Pension be paid in May?
If your payment is due on May 5, it will be paid on May 2 (Friday). If it’s due on May 26, it will be paid on May 23 (Friday).
Why is my State Pension payment early in May?
Your payment is being made early due to the May bank holidays, which fall on May 5 and May 26. The DWP adjusts payments to ensure they are received on a working day before the holiday.
How do I find out my usual State Pension payment date?
Your State Pension payment date is determined by the last two digits of your National Insurance number. The corresponding day is when your payments are normally issued.
Do I need to do anything to receive my early payment in May?
No, you don’t need to take any action. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will automatically make your early payment directly into your usual bank or account.
What happens if my payment date falls on a weekend or bank holiday?
If your payment falls on a weekend or bank holiday, the DWP usually processes your payment on the working day before the weekend or holiday to ensure timely receipt.
