State pensioners should mark their calendars for a change in payment dates this August. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced that due to the Bank Holiday, there will be adjustments to when State Pension payments are issued.
Notably, as August 26 is a Bank Holiday, those typically expecting their state pension moneys on that date will need to adjust their schedules. The DWP has confirmed that affected claimants can anticipate receiving their funds earlier, with payments being processed on Friday, August 23, 2024.
The UK Government has explained that while benefit payouts traditionally go straight into recipients’ bank, building society or credit union accounts, the timing changes when the payment date falls on a weekend or Bank Holiday: “Benefits are usually paid straight into your bank, building society or credit union account. If your payment date is on a weekend or a bank holiday you’ll usually be paid on the working day before. This may be different for tax credits and Child Benefit.”
Pensioners who don’t find their benefits in their accounts by the preceding workday of the Bank Holiday are advised to reach out to the DWP straight away. If there’s an error in the amount, a complaint process is available to request a correction.
Claiming benefits requires providing valid bank, building society or credit union information; exceptions are made only for those who struggle with account management, reports Birmingham Live.
For those unable to manage traditional accounts, alternative payment methods can be arranged by contacting the office responsible for the benefit. Additionally, if pensioners feel they’ve received benefits they don’t need, it is possible to repay them.
The government advises that you should write to the department that paid the benefit, whose address will be on any correspondence you’ve received from them. Include a cheque made payable to the department, along with your National Insurance number and details of the payment, such as the date and the amount.
