DWP Sending £230 to Pensioners This Tuesday; But Only If You Have This 2-Digit Code

£230 DWP Payment: This Tuesday, thousands of UK pensioners will receive a weekly State Pension payment of £230.25, thanks to a scheduled release from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). However, not everyone is eligible this week—the payment only applies to those whose National Insurance (NI) number ends in digits 20 to 39. The system is part of DWP’s routine scheduling based on NI numbers, and this particular group is due for their weekly pension deposit on May 6, 2025.

The £230 DWP payment follows the recent 4.1% triple lock rise, applied to the State Pension for the 2025/26 tax year. This increase reflects wage growth between May and July 2024 and aims to keep pensions in line with the rising cost of living. In this guide, we explain how the payment schedule works, who qualifies, and how pensioners can boost their future income by checking their National Insurance record and making voluntary contributions.

£230 DWP Payment – Key Information

Feature	Details
Payment Amount (New Pension)	£230.25 per week (£11,976 annually)
Payment Amount (Basic Pension)	£176.45 per week (£9,175 annually)
Triple Lock Increase	4.1% (based on wage growth)
Payment Date for NI 20–39	Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Full State Pension Requirement	35 years of NI contributions or credits
Minimum Qualifying Years	10 years
Eligibility Age	66 (rising to 67 by 2028)
Payment Reference	“DWP PENSION [your NI number]”

What Is the DWP’s Payment Schedule Based on?

The DWP doesn’t pay everyone their pension on the same day. Instead, it uses a staggered schedule based on the final two digits of your National Insurance number:

• 00–19: Monday
  
• 20–39: Tuesday
  
• 40–59: Wednesday
  
• 60–79: Thursday
  
• 80–99: Friday
  

If your NI number ends in any number between 20 and 39, your £230 DWP payment will arrive this Tuesday. The deposit will appear in your account with a reference starting with “DWP PENSION.”

Why Has the Pension Increased in 2025?

The 2025/26 State Pension increase comes from the UK’s triple lock guarantee, a policy that ensures pensions rise each year based on the highest of:

• 2.5%
  
• Inflation (Consumer Price Index)
  
• Average earnings growth
  

This year, the 4.1% wage growth between May and July 2024 triggered the increase. It’s a safeguard that helps retirees maintain their standard of living as costs continue to rise.

New vs Basic State Pension: What’s the Difference?

Your State Pension depends on when you retired:

• New State Pension (for those retiring after 6 April 2016):
  
  • £230.25 per week
    
  • Requires 35 qualifying years of NI contributions
    
  • Applies to men born after 6 April 1951 and women born after 6 April 1953
    
• Basic State Pension (before 6 April 2016):
  
  • £176.45 per week
    
  • Requires 30 qualifying years
    
  • May include Additional State Pension if not contracted out
    

Do You Have Enough Qualifying Years?

To receive the full £230 DWP payment, you must have at least 35 qualifying years of NI contributions. You need a minimum of 10 years to receive any pension at all.

You can earn qualifying years through:

• Working and paying National Insurance
  
• Receiving NI credits (e.g. when caring for someone, claiming certain benefits)
  
• Claiming Child Benefit for children under 12
  

If you have gaps, you can buy voluntary contributions (Class 3). For 2025/26, it costs about £907.40 for each missing year. One year can add up to £305 annually to your pension, making it a worthwhile investment.

What If You Were “Contracted Out”?

Before 2016, many employees in certain workplace pension schemes were contracted out of the Additional State Pension. They paid lower NI contributions, and in return, their employer pension was expected to make up the difference.

As a result, your State Pension amount may be lower than the full rate if you were contracted out, but this may be balanced by other private or workplace pensions.

Real-Life Examples: What This Means for You

Case Study 1: Dave (67 years old, full NI record)
Dave has 40 qualifying years and didn’t contract out. His NI number ends in 25, so he’ll receive the full £230.25 this Tuesday.

Case Study 2: Sheila (68 years old, 28 NI years)
Sheila only has 28 qualifying years, so she receives a reduced pension of £184 per week. She’s thinking about buying 7 more years of voluntary contributions to boost her pension before age 70.

How to Check and Maximise Your Pension

Taking these steps now can help you optimise your retirement income:

1. Check your NI record at GOV.UK
   
2. Use the State Pension forecast tool to estimate future payments
   
3. Calculate how voluntary contributions could increase your weekly income
   
4. Contact HMRC or the DWP for tailored guidance
   

These tools can help you make smart decisions about whether to top up or defer your pension.

What Else You Might Be Entitled To: Pension Credit

If your £230 DWP payment doesn’t cover your living costs, you might qualify for Pension Credit, an income top-up for low-income pensioners. This benefit offers:

• Help with Council Tax and Housing costs
  
• A free TV licence if you’re over 75
  
• Extra winter fuel or cold weather payments
  

As of 2025, you may qualify if:

• You’re single and earn under £218.15 per week
  
• You’re in a couple earning under £332.95 per week
  

It’s worth checking eligibility, as many pensioners miss out on extra help they’re entitled to.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thought

The £230 DWP payment this Tuesday is a welcomed boost for pensioners whose NI numbers fall between 20 and 39. With inflation still affecting everyday costs, every increase and timely payment matters. Understanding your NI record, topping up where possible, and exploring Pension Credit could significantly improve your long-term financial security.

Found this useful? Share it with a loved one or check your own pension forecast today. Don’t miss out on money you’re entitled to.