**DWP Confirms £230 State Pension Payment for Some Retirees with Specific Codes This May**
In a fresh announcement impacting pensioners across the UK, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has revealed that a payment of up to £230 will soon be hitting the accounts of state pension recipients, provided they meet certain criteria associated with their National Insurance numbers. This development follows the latest annual increase to State Pension rates, providing some much-needed reassurance to older residents amidst ongoing concerns about the rising cost of living.
The new tax year, which commenced on April 6, 2025, brought a 4.1% uplift to both the basic and new State Pension rates. This rise is part of the government’s promise to protect pensioners’ incomes, with the increase pegged to the highest of three possible measures: average wage growth, the previous September’s Consumer Price Index inflation measure, or a guaranteed minimum of 2.5%. For the 2025/26 fiscal year, the substantial rise has been attributed to higher wage growth as measured in the prior year.
Currently, the UK’s State Pension system is split between the ‘basic’ and the ‘new’ State Pension schemes. Which system an individual belongs to depends on when they reached retirement age. Recipients of the new State Pension, generally those retiring more recently, now receive a full weekly payment of £230.25. In contrast, those still on the basic State Pension receive £176.45 per week. As a result of the increases, those getting the new State Pension are set to receive an extra £470 annually, while those on the basic scheme gain an additional £360 per year, provided they qualify for the full amount.
For state pensioners, paydays are determined by the last two digits of their National Insurance (NI) number, a system that helps the DWP manage the payment process efficiently. Those whose NI numbers end in the range 20-39 typically see their payments land on Tuesdays. This May, pensioners with these specific codes can expect their usual payment of up to £230 to arrive promptly, with Tuesday, 6 May flagged as the next significant payment date.
The way state pension payments are arranged when first claimed provides flexibility for retirees, as individuals can select the date they wish their first payment to arrive. Nevertheless, it’s important to remember that the initial payment must be made no more than five weeks after the chosen date of entitlement. Thereafter, pension payments are issued every four weeks. The official letter confirming a pensioner’s payment schedule will provide full details, including whether the recipient might initially get a part-payment before regular, full four-week payments commence.
The DWP underlined in recent guidance that “the day your pension is paid depends on your National Insurance number,” explaining that bank holidays may sometimes prompt earlier payment dates. This ensures pensioners will not be left waiting if their normal payment day falls on a bank holiday, a common occurrence in the spring period.
For many pensioners, keeping abreast of payment dates remains important for budgeting, particularly as household costs continue to rise. The DWP encourages all recipients to check their National Insurance number and understand their payment schedule to avoid any confusion or worry. Those wishing to confirm their entitlements or resolve queries can find more information through the official gov.uk website or by contacting the Pension Service directly.
As the government continues to grapple with the economic challenges facing the nation, annual State Pension increases remain a vital lifeline for millions. The 4.1% rise, though welcomed, has sparked ongoing debate around whether the current formula—sometimes known as the ‘triple lock’—will remain sufficient to protect older people from inflationary pressures.
In the meantime, pensioners affected by the recent payment announcements are urged to ensure their banking details are up to date and to be alert for confirmation letters about their upcoming payments. This Spring, some retirees will see their increased State Pension reflected in their accounts, a small but meaningful boost to help them manage daily expenses.
As always, pensioners should be mindful of any official correspondence regarding their entitlements and seek guidance if anything is unclear. With the DWP putting payments in place for those who qualify this May, many retirees across the UK can look forward to a financial uplift—at least for now.