Thousands of pensioners across the UK will receive a boosted £230.25 State Pension payment today—Tuesday, May 6, 2025 but only if their National Insurance (NI) number ends in a specific two-digit range. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that individuals whose NI numbers end in 20 to 39 are scheduled to receive their weekly pension today as part of the new payment calendar for the 2025/26 financial year.
This updated rate reflects the government’s commitment to the triple lock pension policy, ensuring that the State Pension rises each year in line with the highest of inflation, average wage growth, or 2.5%. For this tax year, average wage growth was the leading factor, resulting in a 4.1% increase in the State Pension
What the Payment Includes
From April 2025, the full rate of the New State Pension increased to £230.25 per week. This increase applies to eligible individuals who reached State Pension age on or after April 6, 2016, and who have the required 35 years of National Insurance contributions.
Pensioners receiving the Basic State Pension—for those who reached pension age before April 6, 2016—also saw an uplift, although the maximum weekly amount is different. For 2025/26, the full Basic State Pension now pays £169.50 per week.
For a complete breakdown of State Pension rates, visit the official UK Government’s State Pension page.
Who Gets Paid and When?
State Pension payments are issued based on the final two digits of a recipient’s National Insurance number. This schedule is designed to manage payment processing effectively and avoid delays.
Here is the full payment schedule:
- Monday – NI numbers ending in 00 to 19
- Tuesday – NI numbers ending in 20 to 39
- Wednesday – NI numbers ending in 40 to 59
- Thursday – NI numbers ending in 60 to 79
- Friday – NI numbers ending in 80 to 99
Today’s payment applies specifically to those whose NI numbers end in 20 to 39.
You can check your NI number on your payslip, P60, personal tax account, or by logging into your Government Gateway account.
How to Check If You’ve Been Paid
If you’re expecting the payment today, it should appear in your bank account with a reference such as “DWP PENSION” followed by part of your NI number.
If your payment hasn’t arrived by the end of the day:
- Wait until close of banking hours – Some banks process payments later in the day.
- Verify your bank account details – Ensure the DWP has the correct information on file.
- Contact the Pension Service – Call the helpline on 0800 731 0469 or visit the State Pension contact page for further assistance.
Additional Help Available
Pensioners on low incomes may also qualify for Pension Credit, a separate benefit that provides additional financial support and unlocks other entitlements.
According to the DWP, around 800,000 eligible pensioners are not claiming Pension Credit, missing out on crucial benefits including:
- Free TV licences (if over 75)
- Council Tax Reduction
- Housing Benefit
- Cold Weather Payments
- Warm Home Discount Scheme
To find out if you’re eligible, use the Pension Credit calculator and apply via the Pension Credit application page.
The Triple Lock Explained
The increase in this year’s State Pension stems from the triple lock guarantee, a Conservative Party manifesto pledge introduced in 2010. Under this policy, pensions rise annually by the highest of:
- 2.5%
- Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation
- Average earnings growth
This year, average earnings growth came in at 4.1%, making it the determining factor for the April 2025 pension increase.
While the triple lock remains popular among pensioners, it continues to stir debate due to its long-term financial sustainability and intergenerational fairness. Nevertheless, it remains in effect for the current financial year.
Final Thoughts
If your National Insurance number ends in 20 to 39, you should see the new £230.25 State Pension payment in your bank account today. This payment reflects the government’s commitment to supporting pensioners amid ongoing cost-of-living challenges.
If you don’t receive your payment as expected, don’t panic. The DWP has systems in place to address delays, and help is available via the official Pension Service contact page.
And if you’re struggling financially, check your eligibility for Pension Credit you could be entitled to hundreds of pounds more each month.
