State pensioners have been urged to invest in a small item to help them keep track of their payments. Daniel Waterhouse, external relations manager at Money Wellness, said it’s vital for pensioners to keep an eye on their expected payments, including their state pension, benefits, and seasonal support like the Winter Fuel Payment. Fortunately, there are several ways to do this.

Mr Waterhouse suggested some everyday items that could help you with this. He said: “A simple way to stay on top is to keep a small calendar, notebook, or even a spreadsheet, noting when each payment is due and how much it should be. It makes spotting anything missing much easier.”

He pointed to some online tools you can try as well. The expert said: “If you’re comfortable with a digital approach, Government portals can be really useful for checking entitlements and payment histories, and many let you set up alerts for incoming payments. It’s also worth keeping copies of any letters or emails from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in one place. Having everything to hand makes it quicker to resolve any issues.”

The state pension is typically paid every four weeks. The full new state pension is currently £230.25 a week, meaning a person on this amount would get £921 each pay period.

Mr Waterhouse shared some advice should you have a query about your payments. He said: “If a payment is delayed or seems incorrect, contact the relevant department as soon as possible, as even a short delay can cause stress.

“And remember, you’re not alone: local advice centres or free debt help organisations can offer support if you’re unsure about entitlements or need help with paperwork. Taking these small steps now can help you avoid unnecessary stress and make sure you’re receiving everything you’re entitled to.”

The Winter Fuel Payment is a payment of £200 or £300 that goes out to most people of state pension age. Those who are eligible should get a letter in October or November to tell them how much they will get.

Most people get the payment automatically, including anyone who claims the state pension. If you believe you are eligible but do not receive a letter, you may need to put in a claim.

Under new eligibility rules, if your income is more than £35,000 a year, you will have to pay back the amount through either a change in your tax code or by adding the amount to your self assessment tax return for the current year.