Older state pensioners are set to receive a bumper payout in June 2026, with some getting two payments from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) totalling up to £1,479.20. This double payment occurs because June has five Tuesdays, and those whose National Insurance number ends in digits 20 to 39 are typically paid on Tuesdays.
Who Qualifies for the Double Payment?
State pension payments are made every four weeks, not weekly. For older state pensioners who retired before April 2016, the basic weekly rate is £184.90, compared to £241.30 for new state pensioners. However, both groups can benefit from two payments in June if their payment day falls on a Tuesday. The total maximum from basic rate payments for older pensioners with a full National Insurance record is £1,479.20 in June.
How Payment Dates Are Determined
The DWP assigns payment dates based on the last two digits of your National Insurance number. Those ending in 20 to 39 are paid on Tuesdays. Since June 2026 has five Tuesdays, eligible pensioners will receive two payments. Those with incomplete National Insurance records will receive less, calculated individually when they reach state pension age.
Boosting Income with Pension Credit
Older state pensioners can increase their weekly income through Pension Credit. For example, someone receiving only the basic state pension of £184.90 per week can have it topped up to £238 per week, just below the new state pension rate of £241.30. However, other income such as earnings, property income, savings interest, or private pensions is counted first, which may reduce the amount.
Additional Pension Schemes
Older pensioners may also receive extra payments from Additional Pension (AP) schemes like SERPS or the Second State Pension. Although these schemes are closed to new members, those enrolled before retirement continue to receive AP amounts on top of their basic pension.
Tax Changes for State Pensioners
The Chancellor has announced that state pensioners whose only income is their state pension will not owe tax on it, even if it exceeds the £12,570 Personal Tax Allowance. However, HM Treasury has confirmed that Additional State Pension payments are not exempt from tax. Details of the new rule are still to be released.
- Older state pensioners: basic rate £184.90 per week, annual total £9,614.80
- New state pensioners: basic rate £241.30 per week
- Pension Credit can top up to £238 per week
- Double payment in June 2026 for those paid on Tuesdays
