The new and basic state pension – for people of state pension age, so born before 1960 – will be paid on Friday
11:29, 20 May 2026Updated 13:09, 20 May 2026
State pensioners born before 1960 told to check bank accounts within 48 hours
The state pension is set to be paid early – within 48 hours time – with retirees urged to check their bank accounts for their money as payment dates are brought forward.
The new and basic state pension – for people of state pension age, so born before 1960 – will be paid on Friday, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed. The new payment dates from the DWP come as the May Bank Holiday is marked on Monday, May 25.
The three-day weekend means payments will instead be administered on Friday, May 22. The Labour Party government website says: “Benefits are usually paid straight into your bank, building society or credit union account.
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“If your payment date is on a weekend or bank holiday, you’ll usually be paid on the working day before.”
The state pension is usually paid into your account every four weeks in arrears. Your payment day depends on the last two digits of your national insurance number:
- 00 to 19 – Monday
- 20 to 39 – Tuesday
- 40 to 59 – Wednesday
- 60 to 79 – Thursday
- 80 to 99 – Friday
If your normal payment day is a bank holiday, you might be paid earlier, though, under DWP rules.
If your State Pension has not been paid on your usual scheduled date, you should immediately contact the Pension Service to investigate the issue.
In the UK, call 0800 731 7898 (textphone: 0800 731 7339) to speak with an advisor. If you are outside the UK, you will need to contact the International Pension Centre.
The State Pension is usually paid every 4 weeks. Ensure that your expected payment date falls within this 28-day cycle, as bank holidays can occasionally shift the exact deposit day.
If you recently applied, your first payment can take up to 5 weeks from your chosen start date.
Ensure the DWP has your correct bank details and current address, as payments may be paused if your file is flagged for a review.
Remember, too, that you won’t normally receive your State Pension automatically. You should get an invitation letter from the DWP 4 months before you reach state pension age.