State Pension reminder as Brits could face payment delays

State Pension reminder as Brits could face payment delays The State Pension is not paid automatically by the DWP Pensioners are reminded they could experience delayed payments if they fail to submit a claim. The State Pension isn't paid automatically, meaning you might be left waiting if you don't apply. Recent figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reveal the State Pension currently delivers regular financial assistance to 13.2 million elderly people nationwide. This benefit is accessible to those who have reached the UK Government's qualifying retirement age and have contributed at least 10 years of National Insurance Contributions. Yet, as highlighted by the Daily Record, people nearing the official retirement age this year may be unaware that the State Pension is classified as a contributory benefit and isn't automatically paid by the DWP. The payment must be claimed, otherwise retirees could face delays in receiving their initial payment of up to £241.30 weekly, or £965.20 every four-week payment cycle. The funds aren't automatically transferred when someone reaches State Pension age because some individuals opt to postpone claiming in order to continue working and build up more towards their pension fund, particularly if they haven't contributed the full 35 years of National Insurance Contributions, or were 'contracted out'. DWP guidance states: "You do not get your State Pension automatically - you have to claim it. You should get a letter no later than two months before you reach State Pension age, telling you what to do." It then explains you can either claim your State Pension or postpone (defer) claiming it. The guidance states: "If you want to defer, you do not have to do anything. Your pension will automatically be deferred until you claim it." This means, unless you reply to the letter confirming you wish to begin claiming State Pension, you won't receive any payments as the DWP will regard no response as a desire to defer. Postponing your State Pension could boost the payments you receive each week when you eventually claim it, provided you defer for at least nine weeks. Your State Pension rises by the equivalent of one per cent for every nine weeks you defer, which equates to just under 5.8 per cent for every 52 weeks. The additional amount is paid alongside your regular State Pension payment, though it's crucial to understand any extra payments you receive from deferring may be taxed - further details are available on GOV.UK here. It's also vital to note deferred State Pensions increase annually in line with the September Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate and not the highest measure of the Triple Lock policy. The State Pension age began a staged rise from 66 to 67 in April, with the increase expected to be finalised for all men and women across the UK by 2028. The scheduled change to the official retirement age has been enshrined in legislation since 2014 with a further rise from 67 to 68 scheduled to be implemented by the mid-2040s. You can claim your State Pension online here. Check how much you can get You can obtain a State Pension forecast online via the Check your State Pension service. This tool offers tailored details, including your State Pension age, an estimate of your potential State Pension amount and whether you're able to boost this figure. It also lets you review your National Insurance contribution history. Further guidance on deferring your State Pension is available on the GOV.UK website.