Starting Tuesday, May 6, 2025, thousands of UK pensioners are set to receive a £230.25 State Pension payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)—but only if their National Insurance (NI) number ends in a specific two-digit range. This update is part of the routine weekly payment schedule and reflects the recently increased full new State Pension rate for the 2025/26 tax year.

Who Gets Paid and When?

The DWP uses the last two digits of a claimant’s NI number to schedule State Pension payments. For those with digits ending in 20–39, Tuesday is their designated payday. The payment of £230.25 per week represents the full new State Pension amount, up from £221.20 in the 2024/25 fiscal year—a 4.1% increase based on the government’s triple lock commitment.

Here is the full weekly payment schedule according to NI number endings:

• 00–19: Monday
• 20–39: Tuesday
• 40–59: Wednesday
• 60–79: Thursday
• 80–99: Friday

This system ensures a staggered distribution of payments to manage the volume and ensure smoother transactions.

Why the Increase?

The 4.1% rise in State Pension payments is tied to the triple lock policy, which mandates an annual increase in pensions based on the highest of three figures: inflation, average earnings growth, or 2.5%. This year, inflation dictated the rise.

Under this guarantee, pensioners are protected against the rising cost of living. The triple lock policy has been a central pillar of pension protection since its introduction in 2010.

Who Is Eligible for the Full £230.25?

To receive the full new State Pension amount, claimants must have at least 35 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions. Individuals with fewer than 35 qualifying years will receive a reduced amount, while those with less than 10 years will not qualify for any State Pension at all.

Additional Financial Help for Pensioners

In addition to the State Pension, pensioners may also qualify for a range of extra financial benefits, including:

• Pension Credit – a means-tested benefit for low-income retirees.
• Winter Fuel Payment – automatic support for those born before a specific date.
• Warm Home Discount – a rebate on electricity bills for eligible households.
• Council Tax Reduction – support to reduce local tax bills.
• Free TV Licence – for people aged over 75 who also receive Pension Credit.

These benefits can significantly boost the income of retirees and help cover essential living costs.

How to Ensure You Don’t Miss a Payment

Pensioners should ensure their bank details and personal information are up to date on the Gov.uk platform. Missing or incorrect information can delay payments.

If you do not receive your State Pension on the expected date, the DWP advises waiting three working days before contacting them to report the issue.

Final Thoughts

While this week’s £230.25 payment might seem routine, it serves as a reminder for pensioners to stay updated on benefit changes and ensure they’re receiving all entitlements. The DWP’s use of NI number endings to schedule payments is designed for efficiency, but understanding where you fall in the schedule is key to budgeting and planning effectively.

For more information, visit the official Department for Work and Pensions page or consult with Citizens Advice for personalized support.

This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.