Millions of State Pension recipients could see a change to their payment schedule in August because of the summer bank holiday. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that some payments due at the end of the month will arrive earlier than usual, while others will continue on their normal schedule.
The change only affects payments that fall on specific bank holiday dates, and most pensioners do not need to take any action. Payments will continue to be made directly into the usual bank, building society, or credit union accounts.
Change
In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the summer bank holiday falls on Monday, August 31. Because DWP payments are not normally made on bank holidays, any State Pension payment due on that date will instead be issued on the previous working day.
The revised payment schedule is shown below:
| Usual Payment Date | New Payment Date |
|---|---|
| Monday, August 31 | Friday, August 28 |
Recipients will receive their money three days earlier than they normally would.
Scotland
The arrangements are different in Scotland.
Although Scotland observes a summer bank holiday on Monday, August 3, the DWP has confirmed that State Pension payments will continue as normal on that date.
According to the department, the Bacs payment system remains operational during Scottish-only bank holidays, allowing payments to be processed without interruption.
DWP
The DWP has stated that benefit payments are usually made directly into recipients’ chosen financial accounts. When a scheduled payment falls on a weekend or a bank holiday, it is generally issued on the previous working day.
This means eligible pensioners affected by the August 31 bank holiday do not need to contact the department or request an earlier payment.
Schedule
The day a person normally receives their State Pension depends on the final two digits of their National Insurance number.
| Last Two Digits of NI Number | Normal Payment Day |
|---|---|
| 00 to 19 | Monday |
| 20 to 39 | Tuesday |
| 40 to 59 | Wednesday |
| 60 to 79 | Thursday |
| 80 to 99 | Friday |
People whose National Insurance number ends between 00 and 19 normally receive their payment on a Monday. If that Monday falls on a bank holiday, their payment is issued on the previous working day.
Eligibility
Only pensioners whose regular payment date falls on Monday, August 31, will receive their payment early because of the bank holiday in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Those whose payments are scheduled for Tuesday through Friday will continue receiving their pension on their usual payment dates unless another bank holiday affects their schedule.
Payments
When claiming the State Pension, recipients choose the date from which they want payments to begin. The first payment is usually made within five weeks of the selected start date.
After the initial payment, full State Pension payments are normally made every four weeks. Some people may receive a partial payment before their first full payment, depending on the timing of their claim.
The DWP explains these details in the confirmation letter sent after a successful State Pension claim.
Action
Pensioners affected by the August payment change do not need to take any action.
The DWP will automatically send the payment on the revised date, and the money will be deposited into the same account used for regular State Pension payments.
Checking your National Insurance number can help confirm your usual payment day and whether your payment is likely to be affected by the August bank holiday.
The August payment adjustment is part of the DWP’s standard procedure for bank holidays and does not affect the amount of State Pension recipients receive. For those whose payment is due on Monday, August 31, the money will simply arrive earlier than usual. Pensioners in Scotland whose payments are due on Monday, August 3, will continue to receive their State Pension on the normal date, as Bacs payments will operate as usual.
FAQs
Who will receive their pension early?
Those due to be paid on Monday, August 31.
When will the early payment be made?
It will be paid on Friday, August 28.
Are Scottish payments changing on August 3?
No, payments will be made as normal.
Do pensioners need to contact the DWP?
No, payments will be made automatically.
