Should state pension be paid from the day of my 66th birthday?

itm2

My 66th birthday was April 6th this year. HMRC sent me a letter advising me of my state pension payments for the coming year:
- £212.34 on May 11th (this is for the period May 6th to May 11th 2026)
- £990.92 every 4 weeks starting from June 8th 2026

Is it correct/normal that should not receive any pension payments for the first month after my 66th birthday? (i.e. for the period from my 66th birthday on April 6th to May 6th)

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Your first payment

You’ll be asked when you want to start getting your State Pension when you claim. Your first payment will be no later than 5 weeks after the date you choose.

You’ll get a full payment every 4 weeks after that.

You might get part of a payment before your first full payment. The letter confirming your State Pension payment will tell you what to expect.

The new State Pension: When you're paid - GOV.UK

Silvertabby

Date of birth 6 April 1960? In that case, your State pension age is 6 May 2026 (66 years and 1 month) so the letter is correct.

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https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81994289#Comment_81994289

This is probably the correct answer for the Op. Good spot.

itm2

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81994289#Comment_81994289

Ah OK - thanks for clarifying

poseidon1

Also worth noting that if departing from the default 4 weekly cycle and electing for weekly or fortnightly payment of pension, first payment is likely more closely aligned with birthday.

In my case ( intially fortnightly), the first part payment ( representing 5 days entitlement) was made 4 days after my birthday.