state pension payment date

Nedwillow

I live abroad, have claimed my UK state pension, and just received a letter of confirmation. It explains how much I will get (exactly what I expected) and how it was worked out, but it (oddly to me) doesn’t state the date when the payments will actually begin other than explaining it is paid in arrears at the end of 4 weeks, which I was aware of. And I opted to have it paid into my UK bank, which may or may be relevant.

I also understand from elsewhere that payment day is determined by the last 2 digits of the NI number, making it Friday in my case. So do I just count 28 days from and including my retirement date? Which happens to fall on a Friday. Or isn’t it that simple?

A friend in the UK was told his payment dates immediately on the phone when claiming, and will get a starter payment covering the first 10 days before beginning the normal 4-weekly, but perhaps it’s different for those of us abroad. I will ring the DWP again closer to the time but I wonder if anyone can shed any light on this.

Brie

Mine started about 4 weeks after my birthday as did my OH's (in UK) so I'd expect yours to do the same.

Can't see why there'd be any difference due to your physical location particularly as you have a UK bank.

Flugelhorn

I am fairly sure I got a statement telling I would get a part of the 4 weekly payment on a certain date and then the date when I would get the first full 4 week payment

kempiejon

Can one still opt to a get a weekly payment, I like that idea what with it being in arrears.

soolin

I had a letter a few months before with timings. A small payment (less than £100) a day after my birthday and then 4 weekly after that on a Friday.

JoeCrystal

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82009503#Comment_82009503

I think you can by calling them up (or claiming your State Pension by phone). However, I read somewhere that if you live aboard, then you cannot have it weekly (which make perfect sense)

Brie

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82009534#Comment_82009534

It is here State Pension if you retire abroad: Claim State Pension abroad - GOV.UK

you can only get paid every 4 or 13 weeks unless the pension is less than £5 a week in which case payment is annual.

Interesting to see too that payments are made to those living abroad via a US company so US public holidays can affect the payment date. That said it doesn't mention if this is just for payments to foreign banks or to UK ones as well. Wonder if there's a triple whammy if there are public holidays in the UK, US & wherever the individual is living.

jem16

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6669552/state-pension-payment-date

It’s based on the last 2 digits of your NI number which gives the day plus the final letter which gives the week. This is Week A in the 4 weekly cycle. It’s the same for those abroad as in the UK.

If you have an Android phone, you can use this calculator. I can vouch for it. Not available on Apple as yet.

State Pension Payment calculator

jem16

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82009553#Comment_82009553

It will only affect payments to a non UK bank.

Nedwillow

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82009562#Comment_82009562

Thanks so much. It worked perfectly. I tested it with a friend who was already told his payment schedule by the DWP, and it reflects that perfectly, and it ties in with what I had worked out for myself. I see the calculator also gives ongoing payment dates, taking into account public holidays. So all very useful.

And yes I was aware that if I had chosen to have my pension paid directly into my Spanish bank rather than my UK one, the options are every 4 or 13 weeks, though quite why you would 13 weeks I'm not sure.

Anyway, many thanks.

jem16

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82009697#Comment_82009697

Glad you found it useful. You can choose to add Spanish holidays too if needed.