In May 2025, pensioners receiving their state pensions will notice a significant change in their payment dates, thanks to two bank holidays falling within the month.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that payments scheduled for Mondays will instead be made on the Friday before each of the two May bank holidays.

If you’re a state pensioner, here’s what you need to know about these changes and how they affect your payment dates.

Understanding the May Bank Holidays and Payment Changes

In May, the UK observes two key bank holidays: the early May bank holiday on Monday, May 5, and the late May bank holiday on Monday, May 26.

As these are official bank holidays, banks and other financial institutions are closed, which typically delays payments. To ensure that pensioners do not miss their payments, the DWP has made an important adjustment.

If your state pension is usually paid on a Monday, you’ll now receive it on the Friday before the holiday. This change applies specifically to those who are due to receive their state pension on the Monday following a bank holiday.

When Will the Payments Be Made?

• First Bank Holiday (Monday, May 5): If your pension is typically paid on Monday, May 5, you will instead receive it on Friday, May 2.
• Second Bank Holiday (Monday, May 26): If your pension falls on Monday, May 26, you will receive it earlier on Friday, May 23.

These shifts are part of the DWP’s standard policy when bank holidays fall on regular pension payment days.

According to the DWP’s official guidance on GOV.UK, “If your payment date is on a weekend or a bank holiday, you’ll usually be paid on the working day before.” This ensures that pensioners do not experience any delays or interruptions in their payments.

How is the Day of Payment Decided?

You might be wondering how the DWP decides the day your state pension is paid. The payment day depends on your National Insurance (NI) number.

If your NI number ends in a number between 00 and 19, your pension is typically paid on a Monday. For those individuals, May’s pension payment will be moved to the Friday preceding the holiday.

For example:

• If your NI number ends in 01, 10, or 19, you’ll normally receive your state pension on the Monday.
• But for this May, your pension will be brought forward to the preceding Friday.

It’s important for state pensioners to know when to expect their payments to avoid confusion. The change to Fridays during the May bank holidays is a one-time adjustment, and payments will revert to their regular schedule after these dates.

Increased State Pension Payments for 2025

April 2025 saw a notable rise in state pension payments. The amount paid to those receiving the full new state pension has increased by 4.1%, amounting to £230.25 per week. Meanwhile, those on the old state pension (basic state pension) now receive £176.45 per week.

This increase is part of the UK government’s annual adjustments to state pensions, which are typically linked to inflation or the average wage increase.

To qualify for the full state pension, individuals generally need to have a complete National Insurance record, meaning they must have made National Insurance contributions for 30 to 35 years.

For pensioners who don’t receive the full pension amount, it’s worth noting that they may be eligible for Pension Credit, a top-up benefit for those on low incomes. If you’re earning less than approximately £227 per week, you may be eligible for additional support through this program.

How the DWP Pays State Pensions?

The DWP typically pays state pensions directly into the pensioner’s bank, building society, or credit union account. This payment method ensures that recipients can access their funds securely and without delays.

If your payment is due on a weekend or a bank holiday, it is automatically brought forward to the last working day, as mentioned earlier.

It’s essential for pensioners to keep an eye on these changes, especially if they are relying on their pension as their primary income source. The shift in payment days can be an unexpected but helpful change, ensuring pensioners have access to their payments before the bank holiday weekend.

Final Thoughts

For those who normally receive their state pension on Mondays in May, the early payments will come as a welcome relief. Instead of waiting until Monday, May 5, or Monday, May 26, you will receive your payment on Friday, May 2, or Friday, May 23, respectively.

If you haven’t yet checked your eligibility for Pension Credit or other state support benefits, now might be a good time to do so. These benefits are available to help fill the gap if your income is below a certain threshold, offering extra financial support on top of your state pension.

For anyone who is unsure about when their payment will arrive or if they need assistance with their state pension, the DWP provides resources and help via their official website or customer service line.

If you’re a pensioner, don’t forget to mark the dates for your early payments in May, and plan accordingly. Whether you’re budgeting for the month ahead or making arrangements for the bank holiday weekends, knowing when your state pension will arrive can help you stay on track with your finances.