The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced it will advance payments of the Basic State Pension to thousands of pensioners this year because of the New Year’s Day bank holiday on January 1, 2026. Payments normally scheduled for January 1 will be made a day earlier, on December 31, 2025.
For pensioners in Scotland, payments originally due on Friday, January 2, will also be paid early, on December 31. This change ensures that recipients receive their pensions before the holiday period without delay.
The full Basic State Pension currently stands at £176.45 per week, which totals approximately £706 over a typical four-week payment cycle. The amount an individual receives depends on their National Insurance contributions throughout their working life.
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Men born between April 6, 1945, and April 6, 1951, generally need 30 qualifying years of National Insurance to receive the full pension, while those born before 1945 require 44 qualifying years. For women, those born between April 6, 1950, and April 6, 1953, also need 30 qualifying years, and those born before 1950 require 39 years to qualify for the full amount.
If pensioners have fewer qualifying years, their weekly payments will be proportionally reduced.
The DWP advises that benefits are typically paid directly into bank, building society, or credit union accounts. When payment dates fall on weekends or bank holidays, payments are made on the preceding working day. This policy applies to most benefits except Child Benefit, which may have different arrangements.
Pensioners are encouraged to contact their benefit office if they do not receive their payment on the scheduled date.