Understanding when the State Pension is paid each month is essential for financial planning, especially in December when bank holidays can affect payment dates.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) follows a set schedule based on National Insurance numbers, but adjustments are made around Christmas and New Year.
This article explains how the system works in December 2025, what changes to expect, and how pensioners can confirm their exact payment dates to avoid confusion or delays.
How Does The State Pension Payment Schedule Work In December 2025?
The State Pension is paid every four weeks into your bank account, and the payment schedule remains consistent for most of the year.
In December 2025, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) continues this schedule with a few changes due to bank holidays.
Each recipient receives their payment based on a consistent four-week cycle that begins on the date of their first payment.
The payment day in the week is assigned according to the last two digits of the recipient’s National Insurance (NI) number. This allows the DWP to manage payments in a structured and predictable way.
Unlike wages or salaries that are typically paid monthly, the State Pension operates on a four-week cycle, meaning payment dates may shift slightly from one month to the next.
For instance, if you started receiving your pension on a Wednesday, you will continue to be paid every fourth Wednesday unless affected by a public holiday.
How Often Is The State Pension Paid?
The State Pension is paid every four weeks, not monthly. While this may seem like a small distinction, it can lead to recipients receiving 13 payments in a year instead of 12, depending on the start date.
This difference is important to understand for budgeting purposes, especially in months where there are no incoming funds due to the longer gap between payments.
What Role Does Your National Insurance Number Play?
Your payment day is assigned based on the final two digits of your National Insurance number. This is a fixed rule used by the DWP.
Once your day is allocated, it remains the same throughout your pension years unless you change circumstances, such as switching to a different bank account, which may require reprocessing but not a date change.
This structure allows the DWP to space out payments throughout the week and reduce pressure on payment systems and customer support channels.
What Are The State Pension Payment Dates Based On NI Number This Month?
In December 2025, the standard schedule continues to apply, but adjustments will occur for those whose payment dates coincide with public holidays. The usual schedule for State Pension payments is as follows:
| NI Number Ending | Payment Day |
| 00 to 19 | Monday |
| 20 to 39 | Tuesday |
| 40 to 59 | Wednesday |
| 60 to 79 | Thursday |
| 80 to 99 | Friday |
Your actual payment date in December depends on your personal four-week cycle. For instance, if your last two NI digits are 45, you are scheduled for Wednesday payments. If your cycle falls during the week of 22 to 26 December, your payment might be affected by public holidays.
Example Payment Scenarios
- A person with an NI number ending in 18 will be paid on Monday, 22 December 2025.
- A person with an NI number ending in 63 and a usual Thursday cycle will have their 25 December payment moved to Wednesday, 24 December.
It’s important to note that if you are unsure about your cycle, you can refer to your DWP payment notification letter or log in to your online Personal Tax Account via GOV.UK.
Are There Changes To The Pension Payment Dates Due To Christmas And New Year Holidays?
December always includes holiday disruptions, and 2025 is no different. Christmas Day and Boxing Day are recognised bank holidays, which this year fall on Thursday, 25 December and Friday, 26 December. Payments scheduled for these dates will be made earlier.
The Department for Work and Pensions will process these payments on Wednesday, 24 December 2025, which is the last working day before the holidays begin.
Similarly, New Year’s Day falls on Thursday, 1 January 2026. Payments due on this day will also be made early, specifically on Wednesday, 31 December 2025.
Early Payments Before Christmas 2025
If your normal pension payment falls on:
- Thursday, 25 December (Christmas Day)
- Friday, 26 December (Boxing Day)
You will receive your pension on Wednesday, 24 December instead.
This ensures that pensioners receive their funds before the holiday break, which can be especially helpful for purchasing essentials or covering seasonal costs.
New Year 2026 Payment Adjustments
Those scheduled for payment on Thursday, 1 January 2026 (New Year’s Day) will have their funds deposited on Wednesday, 31 December 2025. This continues the DWP’s policy of bringing forward payments rather than delaying them, which ensures uninterrupted financial support.
What If Your State Pension Payment Falls On A Bank Holiday?
When your payment date falls on a UK public or bank holiday, the DWP brings your payment forward to the last working day before the holiday. This rule applies uniformly across all payment methods and banks.
In December 2025:
- Thursday and Friday recipients affected by Christmas will receive early payments
- Thursday recipients impacted by New Year’s Day will also receive early payments
This adjustment is automatic. Pensioners do not need to take any action or request an early payment manually.
Here is a comparison table for quick reference:
| Original Payment Date | Adjusted Payment Date |
| Thursday, 25 December | Wednesday, 24 December |
| Friday, 26 December | Wednesday, 24 December |
| Thursday, 1 January | Wednesday, 31 December |
No action is required from pensioners; the change is made automatically by the DWP.
How Can Pensioners Confirm Their Exact Payment Date?
There are several ways a pensioner can verify their upcoming payment date in December:
- Review the original DWP award letter, which outlines the first payment date and your four-week cycle
- Access your Personal Tax Account online through the GOV.UK portal
- Contact the Pension Service helpline if you’re unable to find your information
If you’re ever uncertain, using the last two digits of your NI number and counting every four weeks from your last payment can help you estimate the next one.
Banks typically process payments by early morning on the due date, so funds are often available by 9:00 AM.
What Should You Do If Your Pension Payment Is Late Or Missing?
Occasionally, issues may arise with pension payments. If your funds have not arrived by midday on your expected date:
- Check your bank account again later in the day
- Confirm with your bank whether there is a processing delay
- Ensure the date does not coincide with a bank holiday
If none of these factors apply, and your payment is still missing, contact the DWP immediately.
The Pension Service can be reached at:
- Telephone: 0800 731 7898
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
When calling, have the following ready:
- Your National Insurance number
- Your full name and date of birth
- Your bank details
If the issue is urgent, the DWP may issue an emergency payment, depending on the situation and verification status.
What Support Is Available From The DWP If Issues Arise With Pension Payments?
The DWP has various resources available to support pensioners who encounter payment difficulties. This includes:
- Helpline support for missed or delayed payments
- Online services for checking payment history and updating bank details
- Guidance on reporting changes to your personal or financial circumstances
In the case of a missing payment, the DWP may offer a manual override or escalate the case for emergency payment processing.
Support is also available for those receiving additional benefits like Pension Credit or Attendance Allowance, which may follow a slightly different schedule.
Can You Change The Date Your Pension Is Paid?
No, the date your State Pension is paid is based on your NI number and cannot be changed. This is part of the standard DWP scheduling system and applies to all recipients equally.
However, you can update the bank account details where your pension is deposited. If you’re switching accounts, it is essential to notify the DWP in advance and allow time for the changes to take effect.
To update your bank details:
- Use the online State Pension portal
- Contact the Pension Service by phone or post
- Always wait for confirmation before closing your old account
What Else Should You Know About The December State Pension Schedule?
Planning ahead is essential during December. Here are a few considerations that pensioners should keep in mind:
- Early Payments: If your usual date is a holiday, expect your funds earlier
- Benefit Overlap: If you also receive Pension Credit, Winter Fuel Payments, or other allowances, these may have different schedules
- Budgeting: Due to early payments, the time between December and January payments may be slightly longer than four weeks
- Pension Letters: Keep copies of your original DWP communications for quick reference
Here are a few practical tips to help you stay organised:
- Mark your payment dates on a physical or digital calendar
- Track your account regularly to ensure funds arrive on time
- Contact DWP immediately if you notice unusual activity or delays
Many banks also provide alerts or notifications when payments are credited, which can help pensioners stay informed without needing to check manually.
Conclusion
State Pension payments in December 2025 will follow the usual four-week cycle, with early payments arranged where dates fall on Christmas, Boxing Day, or New Year’s Day.
By understanding how the DWP schedules payments and how National Insurance numbers determine the day of the week, pensioners can plan more effectively. With early payments made automatically, recipients can be assured they’ll receive their funds in time for the festive period without needing to take any further action.
Frequently Asked Questions
What day is my State Pension paid if my NI number ends in 55?
Your payment would normally be made on a Wednesday. However, in December 2025, check if any public holidays affect that specific Wednesday.
Will I get my pension early because of Christmas?
Yes, if your payment date falls on Christmas Day or Boxing Day, you will receive it earlier — on Wednesday 24 December 2025.
How can I find my State Pension payment history?
You can check your payment history by logging into your personal tax account on GOV.UK or by contacting the Pension Service.
Does the DWP work on bank holidays?
No, the DWP does not process payments on UK bank holidays, which is why payments are made early in those weeks.
What time does the pension payment arrive in bank accounts?
Most banks process payments overnight or by mid-morning, though exact times may vary depending on your bank.
Can the DWP delay State Pension payments?
It is rare, but issues such as bank holidays, system errors, or incorrect personal information can cause delays. Always report delays promptly.
Are Pension Credit payments affected by holiday schedules too?
Yes, Pension Credit payments may also be brought forward if they fall on a bank holiday. Check your award letter or contact the DWP for details.
