Basic state pensioners are set to receive an extra £922 on top of their regular Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) payments thanks to the Additional Pension (AP). The maximum AP payment is capped at £230.54 per week from April, which adds £922 a month to the basic state pension. The basic state pension also increased during the fourth month of the year.
Eligibility for Additional State Pension
The Additional State Pension is an extra amount of money that can be claimed on top of the basic State Pension. It is available to men born before 6 April 1951 and women born before 6 April 1953. Those who reached State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016 will receive the new State Pension and are not eligible for the Additional State Pension.
How Much You Can Get
Consumer magazine Which? explains that the amount of Additional State Pension depends on several factors. These include how many years you paid National Insurance, your earnings, and whether you contracted out of the scheme. The maximum Additional State Pension for 2026-27 is £230.54 per week, not including any state pension top-up.
There is no fixed amount for the Additional State Pension. The payment is calculated based on your National Insurance record, earnings, and whether you opted out of the scheme. Additionally, topping up your basic State Pension was possible between 12 October 2015 and 5 April 2017, which may affect the amount.
Automatic Payment and Inheritance
If you are eligible, the Additional State Pension is paid automatically along with your basic State Pension, unless you contracted out of it. People receiving the new State Pension cannot qualify for the Additional State Pension themselves, but they may still inherit it from their partner.
This extra financial support provides a significant boost for pensioners, helping to cover rising living costs. For more information, pensioners are advised to check their eligibility and contact the DWP or use online resources.
