State pensioners handed free £884 funds from DWP earlier than Decembers ends
The DWP will be handing state pensioners a one-off payment of £884 before Christmas – here’s everything you need to know about the bonus payment and when you can expect it
State pensioners are in for a festive financial boost with a cool £884 set to drop into their bank accounts this December.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has had to rejig payment dates owing to the festive bank holidays, which means the money is coming earlier than usual.
The leap in DWP’s New State Pension payments for 2024 sees weekly rates climbing from £203.85 to a heartier £221.20. With the four-weekly payment system in place, that tallies up to £884.80 every payday.
Basic State Pension recipients aren’t being left out in the cold either; they’re seeing a bump up from £156.20 per week to a warmer £169.50 making their four-weekly haul £678, a yearly income boost from £8,122 to £8,814. It’s not just extra dosh to celebrate but early deliveries too with a date change.
And any payments due on December 25, 26, or 27 as well as January 1 and 2 have all been moved forward. They will land on December 24 or 31.
Rt Hon Sir Stephen Timms MP, Minister for Social Security and Disability, said: “While a time of joy for many, the Christmas period can be overshadowed by financial worry for others, particularly for families on the lowest incomes.”
The Labour MP trumpeted their agenda, promising it would improve budget security for families across the UK: “Our Plan for Change will deliver the long-term economic stability and growth needed to improve every family’s financial security by putting more money in their pockets while we take immediate action to support them with the cost of living.”
He didn’t stop there, adding: “As well as bringing forward benefit payments to continue support over Christmas, our Household Support Fund can also provide extra help, and I encourage anyone struggling to get in touch with their local council to see if they are eligible.”
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