The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has implemented nine changes to State Pension rates, with claimants receiving new amounts starting in June. These adjustments follow the April uprating, which was based on the triple lock mechanism. The triple lock ensures that the State Pension does not lose value over time, guaranteeing an annual rise equal to the highest of average earnings growth, inflation (measured by the Consumer Prices Index), or 2.5 percent.
State Pension Age and Payment Timing
You receive the State Pension when you reach the official retirement age set by the Labour Party government. This age depends on your date of birth. Currently, the State Pension age is gradually increasing from 66 to 67 between April 2026 and April 2028 for both men and women. A further rise to 68 is scheduled between 2044 and 2046.
Because the pension increase takes effect partway through April, pensioners will begin receiving the fully adjusted monthly amounts in May and June. Since the State Pension is typically paid every four weeks, an individual's actual May or June payment date depends on the last two digits of their National Insurance number.
New State Pension
The full flat rate for people who reached State Pension age from April 2016 onwards increased by 4.8 percent, rising from £230.25 to £241.30 per week. This equates to an annual increase of £575, bringing the total to £12,548. However, it is important to note that many recipients may not receive this exact amount due to the complexity of the system. The State Pension is a retirement income from the government, earned through National Insurance contributions or credits during your working life.
Basic Rate State Pension
For individuals who reached State Pension age before April 2016, the basic rate also rose by 4.8 percent, from £176.45 to £184.90 per week. Under the old scheme, the maximum basic State Pension is £184.90 weekly, though individual circumstances may result in a higher or lower amount.
Additional Pension, SERPS, and State Second Pension
The Additional Pension, including SERPS and the State Second Pension, increased by 3.8 percent from April, in line with inflation. The amount you receive largely depends on your career earnings and, to a lesser extent, on whether you have claimed certain benefits such as Child Benefit or Carer's Credit. This additional State Pension is paid automatically with your basic State Pension and rises annually with inflation.
Protected Payment
The protected portion of your State Pension, which is above the flat rate, also increased by 3.8 percent. The State Pension is paid into your bank account every four weeks. To request a change to this payment frequency, you can call 0800 731 0469.
Deferred New State Pension
You have the option to defer claiming your State Pension, which can be beneficial if you are still working, as it may result in larger pension payments later. Unless you claim your pension, it will be automatically deferred. The extra amount you receive for deferring increased by 3.8 percent.
Inherited Old State Pension
If you inherited a portion of a spouse or civil partner's State Pension since April 2016, this amount also rose by 3.8 percent. However, if you inherited their basic State Pension from before 2016, it increased by 4.8 percent.
Married Women's Rate
Known as the Category B State Pension, this rate increased by 4.8 percent, from £105.70 to £110.75 per week in April. Tens of thousands of women may have been underpaid the State Pension, and many could be owed thousands of pounds. Married women who reached State Pension age before April 2016, as well as widows, divorcees, and those over 80 (whether married or not), should check their entitlement.
Over-80s State Pension
The over-80s State Pension also rose by 4.8 percent, reaching £110.77 per week in April.
Graduated Retirement Benefit
If your State Pension includes any Graduated Retirement Benefit (GRB), this component increased by 3.8 percent as well.
