The Department for Work and Pensions has begun distributing extra payments of £543 per year to certain state pensioners. The maximum additional pension rate from the DWP has risen to £230.54 per week for 2026 and 2027, up from £220.10.
New Rates and Triple Lock Impact
The updated rates took effect in April, thanks to the Triple Lock policy implemented by the Labour government. Retirees should see the increase reflected in their May payments. The additional pension rate rise of approximately £10.44 per week amounts to a substantial £543 annually.
Many basic rate pensioners also receive significant top-ups known as additional state pension, S2P, or Serps. However, these are only available to those who earned them earlier in life by paying extra earnings-related National Insurance contributions.
Eligibility for Additional State Pension
The Additional State Pension is an extra amount you could receive on top of your basic State Pension if you are a man born before 6 April 1951 or a woman born before 6 April 1953. Those born on or after these dates receive the new State Pension and do not qualify for the Additional State Pension, though they may still inherit it from their partner.
You receive the Additional State Pension automatically if eligible, unless you have contracted out. It is paid alongside your basic State Pension. The amount varies based on factors including the number of years you paid National Insurance, your earnings, whether you contracted out, and if you topped up your basic State Pension (only possible between 12 October 2015 and 5 April 2017).
How to Claim
The Additional State Pension is paid directly into your bank account along with your basic State Pension. No separate claim is required for the Additional State Pension. If eligible, you will automatically receive it when you claim your State Pension. After claiming, the Pension Service will write to inform you of the amount you are receiving.
