People on a state pension can change the current four-week pay period to seven days

People on the new state pension will receive up to £221.20 per week during the current financial year, however, default payments are usually paid every four weeks – some £884.80 per pay period. Similarly, someone on the basic state pension receives up to £169.50 per week, equivalent to £678 per four-week pay period.

The latest statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that the State Pension currently provides regular financial support for almost 12.7 million older people across the country, including more than one million pensioners living in Scotland. However, many may not be aware that they can increase the frequency of their State Pension payments from every four weeks to weekly or fortnightly.

A former employee with 42 years’ experience for the DWP has shared a simple way to make the change, whether you’re about to retire and claim a state pension, or before you get new or basic payments.

The main thing to be aware of is that the frequency can only be changed if the payments have already been made in the bank account.

People are already on the new or basic state pension

The former employee told the Daily Record: “If you’ve already claimed a state pension and get four weekly payments and you want weekly payments, call the DWP’s Change of Conditions (Pensions Service) phone number on 0800 731 0469. , and ask for weekly payments.

“Alternatively write to The Pension Service, Postal Administration Site A, Wolverhampton WV98 1AF, with your name address and National Insurance Number and ask for your weekly State Pension to be paid.”

People about to claim the new state pension

The former DWP worker explained: “If you have not yet claimed your state pension, put the information box on the state pension claim form ‘Please pay my pension weekly’.”

The DWP insider also said that the frequency of four weekly paychecks could make it difficult to budget for household bills because there is no monthly payment, especially if someone is used to being paid at the end of each month.

They said: “From your budget point of view it may be easier to pay weekly so you know exactly how much State Pension has been paid into your account each month.

“For some members of the public who are paid their wages weekly, claiming the State Pension, which is paid every four weeks, can cause financial difficulties and make it difficult for them to budget.”

The former DWP employee is not alone in raising awareness of payment options. Back in 2021, BBC Radio 4 Moneybox presenter and financial journalist Paul Lewis highlighted the weekly payment option in the Radio Times. He explained: “Three-quarters of all pensions are paid in four-week arrears, but the state pension can also be paid weekly.

“The government hides this option when people apply, because the application form simply says ‘the state pension is usually paid every four weeks’.”

New state pension payment rates 2024/25

• Full payment price: £221.20
• Each four-week pay period: £884.80

Basic State Pension Payment Rates 2024/25

• Category A or B Basic State Pension (full rate): £169.50
• Each four-week pay period: £678.00

• Category B (Lower) Basic State Pension – Spouse or Civil Partner Insurance: £101.55
• Category C or D – non-contributor: £101.55