Some UK state pensioners are receiving two four-weekly pension payments during September because of how the payment calendar falls this year. Those affected will see the second payment arrive on Wednesday, September 30.
The arrangement has led some retirees to receive a combined payment of up to £1,930.40 if they qualify for the full rate of the New State Pension. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has reminded claimants that state pension payments are made every four weeks rather than on a fixed monthly date.
Why Some Pensioners Are Receiving Two Payments in September
The DWP pays the State Pension according to a claimant’s payment schedule, which is linked to their National Insurance number. Because September contains five Wednesdays, people who received their payment on September 2 are due to receive another four-weekly payment before the month ends.
According to the DWP, the New State Pension is usually paid into a chosen bank account every four weeks. The department states that the payment day depends on the claimant’s National Insurance number, with some payments made earlier when a normal payment date falls on a bank holiday.
Pensioners receiving the full New State Pension rate will receive two payments of £965.20, giving a total of £1,930.40 during September. Those receiving the full basic State Pension will receive two payments of £739.60, resulting in a combined total of £1,479.20.
The payment schedule is divided by National Insurance number endings. Claimants with numbers ending from 00 to 19 are normally paid on Monday, those from 20 to 39 on Tuesday, those from 40 to 59 on Wednesday, those from 60 to 79 on Thursday, and those from 80 to 99 on Friday.
Pensioners Advised to Plan for the Longer Gap Before the Next Payment
Although some pensioners will see two payments during September, the second payment does not represent additional money from the State Pension system. It is an early payment within the normal four-week cycle, meaning there will be a longer period before the next scheduled payment arrives.
Think Money, a UK banking and financial services provider, advised pensioners who receive two payments in September to review their budgets before using the money. The organisation said it may be helpful to keep some of the second payment aside for October bills and to check when the next payment is due.
Think Money also advised checking that regular direct debits and household bills are covered for both September and October. It recommended contacting the Pension Service if the payment amount appears different from the usual figure.
The DWP explains that after claiming the State Pension, recipients receive a letter confirming their payment details. The letter provides information about expected payments, including arrangements for the first payment and future four-weekly payments.
The double payment situation only affects pensioners whose normal payment dates match the September schedule. Other claimants will continue to receive their State Pension according to their usual four-week cycle.
