DWP says millions can change State Pension payments from monthly to weekly

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has explained how claimants can alter their payments from four-weekly to weekly. The DWP will let State Pension claimants get £221 a week under a change to their payments, it has revealed.

The DWP has confirmed that the State Pension will rise by 8.5 per cent from April 2024, with the new rates now published. The new State Pension has seen a boost, with monthly payments now reaching up to £884.

Those on the basic State Pension are now receiving £678 over the same period and pensioners can opt to receive their payments on a weekly basis. New State Pension claimants could benefit from increasing the frequency of their payments from every four weeks to weekly, equating to £221.20 per week.

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A former DWP employee has revealed a straightforward method to make this change, applicable to both future retirees and those already receiving New or Basic payments. The ex-employee advised: "If you have already made a claim for State Pension and are in receipt of four-weekly payments, and you want weekly payments, then phone the DWP change of circumstances (Pension Service) telephone number on 0800 731 0469, and request weekly payments."

They added: "Alternatively write to The Pension Service, Post Handling Site A, Wolverhampton WV98 1AF, with your name address and National Insurance number and ask to be changed to weekly payment for your State Pension." They said: "From your 'budget point of view' it may be easier to be paid weekly then you know exactly how much State Pension has been paid into your account each month.

"For some members of the public who are used to being paid their wages weekly, claiming a State Pension which is paid every four weeks, can cause problems financially and make it difficult for them to budget." The former DWP staff member was speaking to BBC Radio 4 Money Box host and financial expert Paul Lewis.

Mr Lewis said: "Three quarters of all pensioners are paid four weeks in arrears, but a State Pension can also be paid weekly."