The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is making early payments today (Friday, May 23, 2025) for many state pensioners born before 1953. This is because of the upcoming bank holiday on Monday, May 26. If you’re due a payment on Monday and your National Insurance (NI) number ends in 00 to 19, you should receive your money early today.
Let’s take a look at who is eligible, how much they will receive, and what else pensioners need to know in 2025/26.
Who Will Get Paid Early?
If you’re due to get your Basic State Pension payment on Monday, May 26, the DWP will pay you early on Friday, May 23. This applies if your NI number ends between 00 and 19, according to Birmingham Live.
You are eligible for the Basic State Pension if:
- You’re a woman born before April 6, 1953
- Or a man born before April 6, 1951
The DWP always moves payments to the working day before a bank holiday, so that pensioners don’t face delays in receiving their money.
How Much Will You Get?
The Basic State Pension increased in April 2025 by 4.1% due to the Triple Lock. The full amount is now:
- £176.45 per week
- £705.80 every four weeks
The New State Pension (for people born later) also went up to:
- £230.25 per week
- £921 every four weeks
- £11,973 per year
Not everyone receives the full amount. Your actual payment depends on how many National Insurance (NI) contributions you have made.
What Is the Triple Lock?
The Triple Lock is a rule that makes sure the State Pension goes up every year by whichever is highest:
- Inflation (CPI),
- Average earnings growth, or
- A minimum of 2.5%
The Labour Government has promised to protect the Triple Lock during its time in office.
Predicted Pension Increases:
- 2025/26 – 4.1%
- 2026/27 – 2.5%
- 2027/28 – 2.5%
- 2028/29 – 2.5%
- 2029/30 – 2.5%
These increases help keep pensioners’ incomes in line with rising costs.
State Pension Age Changes
The State Pension age is increasing:
- From 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028
- Then from 67 to 68 between 2044 and 2046
This means:
- If you’re born between March 6, 1961 and April 5, 1977, you can claim your pension at 67
It’s important to plan ahead if you’re nearing retirement age.
Other Benefits Increase by 1.7%
While pensions rose by 4.1%, other benefits increased by 1.7%, based on the September 2024 Consumer Price Index (CPI). This includes:
- Disability benefits
- Working-age benefits
So if you get extra support alongside your pension, your payment amount may also have gone up slightly.
If you’re a state pensioner born before 1953 with an NI number ending in 00–19, you should receive your payment early today, Friday, May 23, instead of the regular Monday, May 26 schedule. This early payment is part of DWP’s plan to help pensioners avoid delays during bank holidays.
With a 4.1% pension increase under the Triple Lock, and important changes in State Pension age on the way, it’s more important than ever for pensioners to stay informed. Make sure your bank details are updated, check your NI contributions, and stay in touch with the DWP to make the most of your retirement income.
FAQs
Why am I getting my pension payment early in May 2025?
Because Monday, May 26 is a bank holiday. The DWP is paying pensioners early on Friday, May 23 if their NI number ends between 00 and 19.
How much is the full Basic State Pension in 2025?
It increased to £176.45 per week, or £705.80 every four weeks from April 2025.
What is the Triple Lock for State Pensions?
It guarantees annual pension increases by the highest of inflation, wage growth, or 2.5%.
What if I don’t get the full pension amount?
You may receive less if you don’t have enough National Insurance contributions. Check your NI record on GOV.UK.
When will the State Pension age change again?
The pension age will rise from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028, and to 68 between 2044 and 2046.
