The DWP has confirmed changes to State Pension and benefit payment dates over Christmas and New Year.
The DWP has confirmed changes to State Pension and benefit payment dates over Christmas and New Year.
State pensioners born before 1953 could wake up to an unexpected £705 next Wednesday. The DWP has confirmed changes to State Pension and benefit payment dates over Christmas and New Year.
Payments due on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day may be paid earlier due to bank holidays and office closures. Some payments will be made earlier if they’re due between 24 December 2025 and 2 January 2026.
Tell the office that pays your benefit if you do not get your payment on the day it’s scheduled. Those due payment on 1 January 2026 will instead be paid on Wednesday, 31 December.
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How much basic State Pension you get depends on your National Insurance record. The full basic State Pension is £176.45 per week – or £705 a month.
You may have to pay tax on your State Pension. If you’re a man born on or after 6 April 1951 or a woman born on or after 6 April 1953, you’ll get the new State Pension instead.
To get the full basic State Pension you need a certain number of qualifying years of National Insurance.
If you’re a man you usually need 30 qualifying years if you were born between 1945 and 1951 or 44 qualifying years if you were born before 1945.
If you’re a woman you usually need 30 qualifying years if you were born between 1950 and 1953 or 39 qualifying years if were born before 1950.
If you have fewer than the full number of qualifying years, your basic State Pension will be less than £176.45 per week.
If you’re on a low income, you may be eligible to apply for Pension Credit, even if you’ve saved money for retirement.
If you have a disability and someone helps look after you, you may be eligible for Attendance Allowance.