State Pensioners to Receive £921 Payment This Thursday
The Department for Work and Pensions has announced that state pensioners will receive an unexpected £921 payment this Thursday, with payments being brought forward due to the upcoming Easter holiday. This change affects those who reached state pension age from April 2016 onwards and are on the new state pension system.
Pension Rate Increase and Payment Details
The DWP has confirmed a state pension change that will see the full flat rate increase by 4.8 per cent. The weekly amount will rise from £230.25 to £241.30 for eligible pensioners. This represents an annual increase of £575, bringing the total yearly pension to £12,548.
On a monthly basis, this works out to approximately £965. However, for the 2025/26 period, the payment rate remains at £230.25 per week, which translates to £921 per month. The payment scheduled for this Thursday reflects this monthly amount.
Easter Holiday Payment Schedule Adjustment
The reason for the early payment is the timing of Easter this year. With Easter Sunday falling on April 5, scheduled benefit payments that would normally land in bank accounts on Good Friday or bank holiday Monday will instead be issued on Thursday, April 2.
This adjustment ensures pensioners receive their payments without disruption during the holiday period. The DWP has also confirmed that Jobcentre Plus offices and phone lines will be closed on Friday, April 3 and Monday, April 6, reopening as normal on Tuesday, April 7.
How State Pension Payments Work
Like the new rate, the basic State Pension is typically paid every four weeks into an account of the pensioner's choice. If individuals wish to change their payment account, they need to inform the Pension Service directly.
The specific day a pension is paid depends on the recipient's National Insurance number. When claiming a delayed or deferred State Pension, individuals will be asked when they want payments to begin, with the first payment arriving at the end of the first full week of the chosen start date.
Important Considerations for Pensioners
Pensioners should be aware that they may need to repay money if they fail to report changes promptly, provide incorrect information, or receive overpayments by mistake. It's crucial to keep personal details and circumstances up to date with the DWP.
Those wishing to claim their delayed State Pension can do so by calling the State Pension claim line or completing and posting the basic State Pension claim form. Claims can also be made from abroad, including the Channel Islands.
It's important to note that individuals need to claim the new State Pension if they are a man born on or after April 6, 1951, or a woman born on or after April 6, 1953. The DWP emphasizes that proper claims must be submitted to receive pension payments.
