State Pensioners could change DWP payments to get £230.25 a week | Retirement | Finance

January 16, 2026 3,578

State Pensioners might be unaware that they have the option to significantly alter how they receive an income. It’s possible to adjust the payment schedule of your State Pension payments.

While the majority of senior citizens are content receiving a consistent sum of up to £921 each payment cycle, a considerable number remain oblivious to the fact they can modify this arrangement to receive payments fortnightly or even on a weekly basis.

An ex-DWP staff member, with 42 years of expertise in State Pension and benefits administration, has revealed a straightforward method for any older individual – whether currently drawing their State Pension or approaching retirement this year – to alter their payment frequency.

The crucial consideration is that this adjustment can only be implemented if the pension is already being transferred into a bank account.

People already on the New or Basic State Pension

Speaking to the Daily Record, ex-DWP employee Sandra Wrench said: “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.

“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 [a] weekly payment for your State Pension.”

People about to claim the New State Pension

Mrs Wrench explained: “If you are yet to claim your State Pension, put in the information box on the State Pension claim form ‘Please pay my pension weekly’.”

The DWP insider also said the four-weekly pay frequency may make it difficult to budget for household bills as it’s not paid monthly, especially if someone has been used to being paid their salary at the end of each month.

She 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.”

Full New State Pension rates 2026/27

Weekly: £241.30 (from £230.25)
Four-weekly pay period: £965.20
Annual amount: £12,547

Full Basic State Pension

Weekly: £184.90 (from £176.45)
Four-weekly pay period: £739.60
Annual amount: £9,614

Other State Pension rates

Category B (lower) Basic State Pension – spouse or civil Partner’s insurance: £110.75 (from £105.70)
Category C or D – non-contributory: £110.75 (from £105.70)