Many state pensioners in the UK were surprised to see an unexpected payment in their bank account this Friday morning. If you’re wondering why, it’s because of the May Bank Holiday. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) pays pensions earlier if the usual date falls on a holiday or weekend.
If you receive your State Pension on a Monday, and that Monday is a bank holiday, your money will arrive on the Friday before. That’s why thousands of pensioners saw their payments early this week.
Who Got Paid Early?
This early payment mainly affects men born after 1951 and women born after 1953, who qualify for the Full New State Pension. These are people who reached State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016.
So if your payment day is Monday, May 5, you were paid instead on Friday, May 2. This change is automatic—you don’t need to do anything.
How Much Is the Full State Pension in 2025–26?
In the 2025–26 financial year, the full new State Pension is £230.25 per week. This works out to around £921 every four weeks, as pensions are usually paid in arrears, once every four weeks.
This amount is only for those who have a full National Insurance record, usually from 30 to 35 years of contributions.
What Day Is Your Pension Usually Paid?
Your regular pension 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 payment date ever falls on a bank holiday or weekend, the payment is moved to the last working day before.
Don’t Miss Out on Pension Credit
Pension Credit is extra money to help people on low income who are over State Pension age. But many don’t claim it. In fact, only 63% of eligible pensioners claimed it in a recent year, meaning 880,000 people missed out on £2.1 billion.
You may still qualify for Pension Credit even if you receive other benefits like Carer’s Allowance or Attendance Allowance.
Many avoid applying because they think:
- Their income is too high (it may not be)
- The process is too hard (it’s not)
- Others need it more (your claim doesn’t affect others)
So it’s worth checking—you might get more help than you expect.
If you noticed a surprise pension payment this Friday, it’s because of the upcoming May 5 Bank Holiday. Payments normally made on Monday have been moved forward by the DWP. You don’t need to worry—this is part of the normal schedule when holidays fall on payment days.
And if you think your pension isn’t enough, consider checking if you’re eligible for Pension Credit. Many miss out because they don’t realise they qualify. Visit GOV.UK for more information and to apply.
FAQ
Why did I get my state pension early this Friday?
Because Monday, May 5, 2025, is a Bank Holiday. The DWP pays pensions earlier if they fall on a holiday, so you received it on Friday, May 2 instead.
How much is the full new state pension in 2025–26?
The full new state pension is £230.25 per week, which totals around £921 every four weeks if you have a full National Insurance record.
When is my state pension normally paid?
It depends on the last two digits of your National Insurance number. For example, 00–19 means Monday, 20–39 is Tuesday, and so on.
What is Pension Credit and who can get it?
Pension Credit is a benefit for people over State Pension age with low income. You may qualify even if you get other benefits like Carer’s Allowance.
Why do people miss out on Pension Credit?
Many think they don’t qualify or believe the process is difficult. But in reality, thousands could be getting extra money without affecting others.