Millions of UK pensioners will receive their state pension earlier than usual next month. This change affects those whose payment date coincides with the Christmas and New Year bank holidays.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) typically issues state pensions every four weeks, but holiday-related closures mean payments are sent earlier when due dates fall on non-working days.
For December, the bank holidays on December 25, 26, and January 1 will disrupt normal payment schedules. As a result, many pensioners will get their money a few days before their usual date.
Each pensioner’s payment is linked to the final two digits of their National Insurance (NI) number. This code determines the day of the week payments are normally made.
If a payment date falls on a bank holiday, it will be advanced to the nearest working day beforehand.
The DWP confirmed that all payments scheduled over the festive period will be made in full, with no delays expected. Pensioners are advised to check their upcoming payment dates on their statements or through their bank.
A DWP spokesperson said: “Where payment dates fall on a bank holiday, claimants will receive their payment early to ensure no one is left waiting over the holidays.”
Early state pension payments will be made to prevent disruptions from Christmas and New Year bank holidays, with timing based on the last two digits of each person’s National Insurance number.
Author’s summary: Many pensioners will receive their state pension early in December due to holiday bank closures, adjusted according to their National Insurance payment schedule.