People are being asked to check if they have received the money
The Department for Work and Pensions is urging people to check on a payment worth £230 this week. The 2025/26 tax year, which commenced on April 6, saw both the basic and new State Pensions increase by 4.1% in accordance with the annual rise in average wage growth.
This yearly increase is determined by one of three factors: the average wage growth between May and July of the preceding year, the consumer price index measure of inflation – gauged for September in the previous year – or 2.5 per cent.
The highest of these three factors dictates the pension rates for the new tax year. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here.
In the UK, the State Pension system is split into two schemes – basic and new – with the amount received contingent on when the recipient retired.
Those on the new State Pension receive a full weekly payment rate of £230.25, while those on the basic State Pension receive £176.45, reports Wales Online.
It means those on the new State Pension will receive an additional £470 annually, plus an extra £360 each year if they get the full rate.
Some state pensioners were scheduled to receive their next payment, of up to £230, on Tuesday, May 6 – but only if they have a very specific two-digit code.
State Pension is typically paid every four weeks and recipients choose the date they want to receive their payment when first claimed.
Retirees can establish their regular State Pension payment date by referencing the last two digits of their National Insurance number, as this corresponds to their designated payment days.
For pensioners whose National Insurance numbers conclude with digits from 20 through 39, Tuesday is normally the day they receive their payments so you should check if you have received the money if you are eligible.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) explained: “You’ll be asked when you want to start getting your State Pension when you claim.”
They assured: “Your first payment will be no later than 5 weeks after the date you choose. You’ll get a full payment every four weeks after that.”
They also mentioned: “You might get part of a payment before your first full payment. The letter confirming your State Pension payment will tell you what to expect.”
Reiterating the importance of the National Insurance number, they added: “The day your pension is paid depends on your National Insurance number.”
Furthermore, they noted: “You might be paid earlier if your normal payment day is a bank holiday.”
