State Pension recipients can switch from four-weekly to weekly payments by contacting the DWP if their pension is paid into a bank account
The State Pension is worth up to £230.25 per week during the current financial year and is typically paid by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) every four weeks. However, whilst most pensioners are content to receive a regular income of up to £921 every payment period, many may be unaware they can alter the frequency of these payments to fortnightly or even weekly.
A former DWP employee with 42 years’ experience in handling State Pensions and benefits has revealed the straightforward way every pensioner, already claiming their State Pension or due to retire this year, can modify how often they are paid.
The key thing to note is the frequency can only be altered if the payments have already been arranged to be made into a bank account, reports the Daily Record.
People already on the New or Basic State Pension
Ex-DWP employee Sandra Wrench told the Daily Record: “If you have already made a claim for State Pension and are in receipt of four-weekly payments, and you want weekly payments, then phone the DWP change of circumstances (Pension Service) telephone number on 0800 731 0469, and request weekly payments.
“Alternatively 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 payment for your State Pension.”
People about to claim the New State Pension
Mrs Wrench advised: “If you are yet to claim your State Pension, put in the information box on the State Pension claim form ‘Please pay my pension weekly’.”
The DWP insider also highlighted that the four-weekly pay frequency may make it challenging to budget for household bills as it’s not paid monthly, particularly if someone has been accustomed to receiving their salary at the end of each month.
She stated: “From your ‘budget point of view’ it may be easier to be paid weekly then you know exactly how much State Pension has been paid into your account each month.
“For some members of the public who are used to being paid their wages weekly, claiming a State Pension which is paid every four weeks, can cause financial difficulties and make it hard for them to budget.”
The former DWP employee isn’t alone in raising awareness about the payment options. In 2021, BBC Radio 4 Money Box presenter and financial journalist Paul Lewis, spotlighted the weekly payment option in the Radio Times.
He clarified: “Three quarters of all pensioners are paid four weeks in arrears, but a State Pension can also be paid weekly.
“The Government hides this option when people apply, as the application form simply says ‘State Pension is usually paid every four weeks’.”
State Pension annual uprating
Millions of older individuals are set for a significant State Pension increase from April.
The New and Basic State Pension will rise by 4.8 per cent whilst additional State Pension elements and deferred State Pensions will increase by 3.8 per cent.
This adjustment will result in those on the full New State Pension receiving £241.30 per week, whilst those on the maximum Basic State Pension would receive £184.90 per week.
It’s crucial to bear in mind that the amount of State Pension someone receives is dependent on their National Insurance contributions. To receive the full New State Pension you need approximately 35 years’ worth, but this may vary if you were ‘contracted out’.
Full New State Pension rates 2026/27
- Weekly: £241.30 (from £230.25)
- Four-weekly pay period: £965.20
- Annual amount: £12,547
Full Basic State Pension
- Weekly: £184.90 (from £176.45)
- Four-weekly pay period: £739.60
- Annual amount: £9,614
Other State Pension rates
- Category B (lower) Basic State Pension – spouse or civil Partner’s insurance: £110.75 (from £105.70)
- Category C or D – non-contributory: £110.75 (from £105.70)
New Pension Credit rates
Standard minimum guarantee
- Single: £238.00 (from £227.10)
- Couple: £363.25 (from £346.60)
Additional amount for severe disability
- Single: £86.05 (from £82.90)
- Couple (one qualifies): £86.05 (from £82.90)
- Couple (both qualify): £172.10 (from £165.75)
- Additional amount for carers: £48.15 (from £46.40)
Comprehensive details on Additional State Pension, Widows Pension, increments and Invalidity Allowance can be found on GOV.UK.
State Pension and tax
Guidance on GOV.UK states: “You pay tax if your total annual income adds up to more than your Personal Allowance. Find out about your Personal Allowance and Income Tax rates.
Your total income could include:
- The State Pension you get – Basic or New State Pension
- Additional State Pension
- A private pension (workplace or personal) – you can take some of this tax-free
- Rarnings from employment or self-employment
- Any taxable benefits you get
- Any other income, such as money from investments, property or savings
Check if you have to pay tax on your pension
Before you can check, you will need to know:
- If you have a State Pension or a private pension
- How much State Pension and private pension income you will get this tax year (April 6 to April 5)
- The amount of any other taxable income you’ll get this tax year (for example, from employment or state benefits)
You cannot use this tool if you get:
- Any foreign income
- Marriage Allowance
- Blind Person’s Allowance
Use this online tool at GOV.UK to check if you have to pay tax on your pension. The full guide to tax when you get a pension can be found on GOV.UK here.