State Pension payment dates: quick safe guide

Official payment schedule: how it works

State Pension Payment Schedule — How your day is calculated

The DWP pays the State Pension every four weeks (or weekly for some older claimants). Your specific payment day of the week is determined by the last two digits of your National Insurance (NI) number, according to the table below. This system spreads payments across the week to reduce pressure on banking systems.

🗓️ State Pension Payment Day by NI Number

Last two digits of your NI number	Payment day
00 to 19	Monday
20 to 39	Tuesday
40 to 59	Wednesday
60 to 79	Thursday
80 to 99	Friday

Important: if your usual payment day falls on a Bank Holiday, you will normally be paid on the last working day before the Bank Holiday. Plan accordingly, especially around Christmas, Easter and other public holidays in England, Scotland and Wales.

💷 How much is the State Pension in 2025/26?

The full New State Pension (for those reaching State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016) is currently £221.20 per week, rising in line with the Triple Lock guarantee each April. The full Basic State Pension (for those who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016) is £169.50 per week. Your actual amount may differ depending on your National Insurance record.

🏦 Where is the payment sent?

Once your State Pension payment is processed, you can access your funds through the following accounts:

• Bank account — via your bank's app, online banking, telephone banking or at a branch counter
• Building society account — directly credited by BACS transfer on your designated payment day
• Credit union account — some pensioners opt to have payments sent directly to their credit union
• Post Office card account — note that this service has now closed for new applicants; existing users should contact the DWP to arrange an alternative account

Financial planning tip: with your payment day confirmed, schedule your direct debits — rent or mortgage, energy bills, council tax and any subscriptions — to leave your account the day after your pension arrives. This reduces the risk of missed payments and overdraft charges.

If your banking details have recently changed, contact the Pension Service on 0800 731 0469 to update your account details promptly. Payments sent to a closed or incorrect account can take several weeks to be returned and reprocessed.