Waiting for first payment of State Pension

[DOINGOURBIT]

Having applied for State Pension in April in advance of a July retirement date, still waiting for first payment.

Advised it's 28 days before anyone receives first payment, but now it's 31 days and Bank Holiday. Helpline useless, just say they'll escalate it, but no idea if they have, how long to wait or what payment will be and when - no award letter.

Anyone here waiting for first payment / how long did you wait? Is 28 to 31 days normal or have you been waiting a lot longer? What is normal, and how do you live in the meantime if you're running out of savings?

I think there have been problems generally. I had to chase things up for a vulnerable client a couple of weeks ago as she hadn't received her state pension and her working age benefits had stopped. Fortunately she had disability benefits etc to tide her over.
I would call them tuesday if you have not received payment by then.

When i got my first payment they sent me an email telling me how much I would be getting and when.
They paid it in on the date they said.
However there is a bank holiday and payments can be delayed at such times. Give it a few days before you do anything

@Babyroobs

How long did your client have to wait to hear from DwP about her entitlement?

@Anordinarymum - there's no guarantee I'm going to get paid at all. I've had no communication or award notice !

I am still waiting for any communication after applying JR March! I’ve phoned several times no idea what the problem is and why the delay. It’s very stressful I know.

@MissBunty12 that is the sort of thing your local MP can chase for you.

Thanks yes have done that now

... and nearly another month on with no income at all - we are still waiting, promised letters, promised phone calls. DWP say to go to the food bank. I don't think the food bank would be interested in paying our utilities bill. Seems the government aren't overly interested in pensioners without any income at all either.

have you been in contact with your MP?