DWP says millions can change state pension so they get paid more frequently

13 June 2024 , 09:19

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The state pension is normally paid every four weeks (Image: Getty)

The state pension is claimed by more than 12 million people and is normally paid every four weeks.

The full new state pension is currently worth £221.20 per week, while the full basic state pension is set at £169.50 per week. But the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has the power to pay you weekly, which for some people could make it easier to budget their money.

To change the frequency of your payments, you can phone the Pension Service telephone number on 0800 731 0469, or you can write to The Pension Service, Post Handling Site A, Wolverhampton WV98 1AF, with your name, address and National Insurance number and ask to be changed to weekly payments for your state pension.

If you've yet to start claiming your state pension, you can request your state pension is paid weekly by putting this is writing in the information box on the claim form. Most people need 35 qualifying years on their National Insurance record to claim the full new state pension, and ten years to receive anything at all.

This means if you have gaps in your record, you may not receive a full new state pension later in life. You claim the new state pension if you’re a man born on or after April 6, 1951, or a woman born on or after April 6, 1953. Anyone born before these dates will be claiming the old basic state pension.

How to check if you’re owed £6,900 in state pension back-payment in 2023

A specific code in your National Insurance number should tell you the exact date you are normally paid your state pension. You'll need to look at the last two digits. If the digits are between 00 and 19, you are paid on a Monday. It’s Tuesday if they are between 20 and 39, and Wednesday if the digits are between 40 and 59. Numbers 60 to 79 are paid on a Thursday and numbers 80 to 99 are usually paid on Fridays.

Levi Winchester