The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed early state pension payments for some pensioners in the UK. If you were born before 1953 and normally receive your pension at the start of the week, this update could affect your payment date.
Here’s what you need to know about the early payment, pension amounts, and future increases.
Early State Pension Payments – Who Is Affected?
If your state pension payment was due on Monday, May 26, you’ll get it early on Friday, May 23 instead. This change is due to the bank holiday falling on the Monday.
This early payment applies to people with a National Insurance number ending in 00 to 19, which determines when you usually receive your payment.
Who Can Get the Basic State Pension?
You can claim the Basic State Pension if:
- You’re a woman born before 6 April 1953, or
- A man born before 6 April 1951
From April 2025, the full rate of the basic state pension has gone up to £176.45 per week, which means you could receive £705.80 every four weeks if you’re eligible for the full amount.
What About the New State Pension?
For those on the Full New State Pension, the rates are:
- £230.25 per week
- £921 every four weeks
- £11,973 per year
However, not everyone gets the full amount. Your payment depends on how many National Insurance contributions you’ve made during your working life.
Triple Lock and Future Pension Increases
The Labour Government has promised to keep the Triple Lock in place during its term. The Triple Lock ensures that pensions rise each year by the highest of these three:
- Average earnings growth
- Inflation (based on the Consumer Price Index)
- 2.5%
Here are the predicted annual increases under the Triple Lock:
- 2025/26: 4.1%
- 2026/27 to 2029/30: 2.5% each year
This means your pension will continue to grow each year, helping to keep up with the cost of living.
When Can You Claim Your State Pension?
The current State Pension age is 66, but it will rise:
- To 67 between 2026 and 2028
- To 68 between 2044 and 2046
If you were born between 6 March 1961 and 5 April 1977, you’ll reach state pension age at 67.
What About Other Benefits?
Not all benefits will rise by the same amount. While pensions are increasing by 4.1%, other benefits, including working-age and disability support, are going up by only 1.7%, based on the inflation rate from September’s Consumer Price Index (CPI).
State pension payments are a vital source of income for millions of older people in the UK. This latest update from the DWP offers early payments for some, along with planned yearly increases thanks to the Triple Lock. However, the amount you receive depends on your age, your National Insurance history, and whether you qualify for the basic or new state pension.
FAQs
Why am I getting my state pension early on May 23, 2025?
If your National Insurance number ends between 00 and 19 and your usual payment date falls on May 26, a bank holiday, your payment is moved to May 23.
How much is the full basic state pension in 2025?
The full basic state pension is £176.45 per week or £705.80 every four weeks if you’re eligible for the full amount.
What is the full new state pension rate for 2025?
In 2025/26, the full new state pension is £230.25 per week, £921 every four weeks, or £11,973 per year.
Will state pensions increase every year?
Yes, under the Triple Lock, pensions will rise yearly by whichever is highest: inflation, earnings, or 2.5%. 2025 will see a 4.1% increase.
When will the state pension age rise to 67?
The state pension age will rise from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028 for both men and women.
