State Pensioners Urged to Send DWP A Five-Word Message To Receive £230 A Week Free

For many UK state pensioners, managing money can become tricky when payments arrive only once every four weeks.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that pensioners do not have to stick with this system—they can request to receive their State Pension weekly instead.

This guide explains how the payment system works, why weekly payments may help with budgeting, and the steps you need to follow if you want to change your payment schedule.

Understanding State Pension Payment Options

Most pensioners receive their State Pension every four weeks, a schedule that may not always suit people who are used to a monthly or weekly wage system.

• Default payment system: Four-weekly, paid in arrears.
• Alternative option: Weekly payments, available upon request.

Former DWP employees have shared insights about how pensioners can make this switch, and financial experts have also stressed why it could make everyday budgeting easier.

Former DWP Employee Explains the Process

According to ex-DWP worker Sandra Wrench, pensioners already receiving four-weekly payments can ask to change to weekly deposits. She explained two simple ways to do this:

By phone – Call the DWP Pension Service change of circumstances helpline on 0800 731 0469 and request weekly payments.

By post – Write a letter to: The Pension Service
Post Handling Site A
Wolverhampton WV98 1AF Include your full name, address, and National Insurance number. Clearly state that you want your State Pension to be paid weekly.

Why Four-Weekly Payments Can Cause Issues

Sandra Wrench also highlighted that four-weekly payments do not align with the typical monthly bill cycle. For pensioners who are used to receiving a monthly salary, this irregular system can create budgeting problems.

• Budgeting difficulty: Household bills are usually set monthly, but four-weekly pensions create shifting payment dates.
• Weekly alternative: Provides a steady flow of income into accounts, making it easier to track spending and cover bills.

She added that those who were paid weekly during their working life may struggle more with four-weekly pensions. Weekly State Pension payments allow them to continue managing money in a way they are familiar with.

Expert Support for Weekly Payments

Concerns about payment frequency are not new. In 2021, financial journalist Paul Lewis, who presents BBC Radio 4’s Money Box, also raised awareness about the weekly option.

He revealed that:

• 75% of pensioners are paid four-weekly in arrears.
• Weekly payment is a valid but lesser-known option.
• The government application form downplays this choice, by stating “State Pension is usually paid every four weeks,” which discourages people from asking about weekly payments.

The Hidden Flexibility in Pension Payments

The key issue is that the weekly payment option is not widely advertised. While it is fully legitimate, pensioners often do not realize they can request it because of how the application form is worded.

This lack of clarity means many people simply accept the four-weekly system, even if it makes managing their finances more difficult.

Steps to Change Your Payment Schedule

Here is a clear breakdown of what to do if you want to move from four-weekly to weekly payments:

Method	Action Required	Details Needed
Phone	Call 0800 731 0469	Provide your name, NI number, and confirm change request
Post	Write to The Pension Service, Post Handling Site A, Wolverhampton WV98 1AF	Include full name, address, NI number, and request for weekly pension

Why Weekly Payments May Work Better for You

Switching to weekly pension payments can make life easier if:

• You are used to a weekly wage system.
• You find it difficult to manage household expenses with four-weekly income.
• You want more predictable cash flow for essentials like groceries and bills.

While some pensioners prefer larger lump sums every four weeks, the weekly option provides more control, especially during times of rising living costs.

The DWP State Pension payment system is more flexible than many people realize.

While the default option is to receive payments every four weeks, pensioners can request weekly payments if it suits their budgeting needs better.

This choice can ease financial stress, especially for those accustomed to weekly wages or those who struggle with irregular income schedules.

By simply making a phone call or writing to The Pension Service, pensioners can take charge of how often their retirement income arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions