Are you wondering exactly how much your State Pension will increase in 2026/27? Here’s the clear answer: the full new State Pension will rise from £230.25 to £241.30 per week starting April 2026.
That’s an increase of £11.05 weekly or £572.60 annually. But that’s just the start.
Here are the key points for 2026/27:
| Key Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Full New State Pension | £241.30 per week |
| Old State Pension (Category A/B) | £184.90 per week |
| Triple Lock Applied | Yes – earnings growth used |
| Additional Components | 3.8% increase across AP, GRB, Protected Payments |
| Tax Consideration | May affect higher-income pensioners |
| Deferral Benefits | Higher returns for deferred pensions |
| Planning Advice | Check the NI record and forecast entitlement |
What Is the State Pension and How Is It Changing in 2026/27?
The UK State Pension is the regular weekly income you receive from the government once you reach State Pension age.
If you reached State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016, you get the new State Pension. If you reached it before that date, your entitlement is based on the old State Pension rules.
Understanding how these pension systems are structured helps to appreciate how the increase for 2026/27 affects you. In my own work writing about pensions and benefits, I have spoken to several people who were confused about which system applies to them.
One government professional working on benefits policy clarified to me that
“Most people retiring now will be on the new State Pension, and the uprating process ensures value retention compared to economic trends”.
This contextual approach determines how much more pension you will receive each week and the overall annual effect. As you will see from the figures, both new and old State Pension rates have increased for the 2026/27 financial year.
Main State Pension Rates Comparison
| Pension Category | 2025/26 Rate | 2026/27 Rate |
|---|---|---|
| New State Pension – Full rate | £230.25 | £241.30 |
| Old State Pension – Category A/B basic | £176.45 | £184.90 |
| Old State Pension – Category B (lower rate) | £105.70 | £110.75 |
| Old State Pension – Category C or D (non‑contributory) | £105.70 | £110.75 |
| Maximum Additional Pension | £222.10 | £230.54 |
As shown, the full new State Pension is increasing significantly more than the minimum required by the triple lock. That means pensioners will see a decent uplift in income compared to the previous year.
How Much Will the Full New State Pension Be in 2026/27?
If you are on the full new State Pension, the essential figure you want to know is your weekly amount. In 2025/26, the full weekly rate was £230.25. From April 2026, this rises to £241.30 per week.
Although weekly figures feel small, the real picture becomes clearer when you think in terms of monthly and annual income.
New State Pension Annual Breakdown
| Payment Frequency | 2025/26 Rate | 2026/27 Rate | Annual Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekly | £230.25 | £241.30 | +£11.05 |
| Monthly (Approx.) | £921.00 | £965.20 | +£44.20 |
| Annually | £11,985.00 | £12,557.60 | +£572.60 |
This table shows that your pension income will increase by around £572.60 over the year if you are on the full rate.
An official professional I spoke with explained, “We base the uprating on projected economic factors so that pensioners do not lose purchasing power.
This year’s calculations have taken earnings growth into account strongly.” Personally, I find this helpful because it reassures me that the government is trying to balance pensioner needs with economic constraints.
Although an increase will not cover every cost pressure faced by pensioners, seeing your weekly income grow by over £11 is a meaningful change for many households.
What Will Happen to the Old State Pension Rates in 2026/27?
For people who reached State Pension age before April 2016, the old State Pension still applies. The old system has various categories and rates depending on your National Insurance record and entitlement type.
Under the old State Pension, key rates have also increased. These include:
- Category A or B basic pension
- Lower rate (Category B lower)
- Non‑contributory pensions
- Maximum Additional Pension
All these rates have gone up for 2026/27, aligning with the broader uprating policy.
Old State Pension Weekly Rates
| Old Pension Type | 2025/26 Rate | 2026/27 Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Category A/B basic | £176.45 | £184.90 |
| Category B (lower) | £105.70 | £110.75 |
| Non‑contributory | £105.70 | £110.75 |
| Maximum Additional Pension | £222.10 | £230.54 |
For anyone still on the old system, these rising figures can make a noticeable difference to weekly income.
How Does the Triple Lock Affect the 2026/27 Pension Increase?
The “triple lock” is a mechanism that protects the value of the State Pension by ensuring it increases each year by the highest of three figures:
- Average earnings growth
- CPI inflation
- A minimum of 2.5%
In 2026/27 the uprating has been strongly influenced by average earnings growth, which has been higher in recent data. That has pushed the increase above the minimum threshold and meant that pensioners benefit from a more generous rise.
From my discussions with policy professionals, the message has been consistent: the triple lock remains central to pension uprating policy because it helps pensioners keep pace with living standards.
Personally, I value this approach because it ensures that government policy responds to real economic conditions rather than just fixed percentages.
Understanding the triple lock also helps explain why pension increases vary from year to year. When inflation is high but earnings grow faster, the earnings figure is used. In more stable times, CPI or the 2.5% minimum may be the deciding factor.
For 2026/27, higher projected earnings growth led to the figure you see in the tables.
What Are the Increments and Additional Payments for Pensioners?
Beyond your basic weekly pension rate, other components can affect your total pension income. These include increments for deferring your pension, inherited pension rights, additional pension amounts, and protected payments.
Additional Pensions and Benefits Adjustments
| Component | 2025/26 Increase | 2026/27 Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Protected Payment | 1.70% | 3.80% |
| Deferred Pension (Own) | 1.70% | 3.80% |
| Deferred Pension (Inherited) | 1.70% | 3.80% |
| Graduated Retirement Benefit (GRB) | 1.70% | 3.80% |
| Additional Pension (AP) | 1.70% | 3.80% |
These increments have also increased by 3.8% for the 2026/27 financial year. That means if you deferred your pension or have inherited entitlements from a spouse or civil partner, these components have risen in line with the uprating.
This is especially important for people who deferred their State Pension to receive a higher weekly amount later. The higher increment percentage compared to the previous year means your investment in deferral yields slightly better value.
I’ve encountered many people who were unaware that deferral adds value beyond the basic rate, so it was helpful to hear from a policy expert who said,
“Increased increment percentages reflect our commitment to reward those who defer where appropriate while maintaining fairness across all pension categories.”
Will You Be Taxed on Your State Pension in 2026/27?
Whether your State Pension is taxable depends on your total income and personal tax allowance.
Key points to consider include:
- Your total taxable income for the year
- Your personal allowance threshold
If your total income, including your State Pension and any other pension or earnings, remains below your personal allowance, you likely won’t pay income tax on your pension. However, if your total income exceeds this allowance, part of the State Pension could be taxable.
Although I am not a tax adviser, it is something I always encourage readers to check carefully because small changes in income can affect your overall tax liability.
Many pensioners are pleasantly surprised to find that their State Pension alone falls below the tax threshold, but anyone with pension income from private schemes should run a simple calculation or seek professional advice.
What Do the 2026 Benefit Rates Mean for You Personally?
Looking at the 2026 benefit rates as a whole, you can see a pattern of increases across multiple components of pension and benefits. It is clear that the government is responding to economic conditions with measured uprating.
From my personal perspective, this makes planning easier, especially if you rely primarily on your State Pension. Knowing the weekly and annual figures allows you to budget ahead and understand how much spending power you will have in the coming year.
I have spoken to several pensioners who felt uncertain about these increases before reviewing the official rates. A professional involved in the benefit rate review emphasised to me that maintaining a consistent approach to uprating is critical for long‑term financial planning for pensioners.
How Can You Prepare Financially for the 2026/27 Pension Year?
Preparing for the new pension year involves understanding not just your pension payments but also your wider financial situation. Some practical steps you might consider include:
- Check your National Insurance record to make sure you have qualifying years for the highest pension entitlement.
- Obtain a State Pension forecast so you know exactly what you will receive each week when you reach State Pension age.
- Consider how your total income, including private pensions or savings income, affects your tax position.
- Look into Pension Credit eligibility if your total income is low, as this can add to your weekly income above the basic State Pension.
These preparatory steps can help protect your overall financial position and ensure you maximise your entitlements.
Invalidity Allowance Adjustments
| Allowance Type | 2025/26 Rate | 2026/27 Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Higher Rate | £28.90 | £30.00 |
| Middle Rate | £18.50 | £19.20 |
| Lower Rate | £9.25 | £9.60 |
Conclusion
In summary, the 2026/27 State Pension increase offers a meaningful boost to pensioners across the UK, with full new pension rates rising to £241.30 per week.
Whether you’re on the new or old scheme, these changes provide improved financial stability. With additional components like deferred pensions and protected payments also increasing, it’s essential to review your entitlements.
This update reflects the government’s effort to protect pensioners’ incomes amidst evolving economic conditions and helps with planning confidently for the year ahead.
FAQs About the 2026/27 State Pension Increase
What is the New Weekly Rate for State Pension From April 2026?
From April 2026, the full new State Pension increases to £241.30 per week.
How Much Will the Old State Pension Rise in 2026/27?
Old State Pension categories also increase for example, Category A/B basic rises to £184.90 per week.
Does the Rise Apply Automatically?
Yes. If you’re already receiving your State Pension, the increase is automatic from your first payment after the uprating date.
How Does the Triple Lock Affect the Increase?
The triple lock ensures the highest of earnings growth, inflation, or 2.5% is used in 2026/27, which has favoured earnings growth.
Will My State Pension Alone Be Taxable?
It depends on your total income. Many pensioners won’t pay tax on the State Pension alone if it falls within the personal allowance.
Does Deferring Your Pension Affect the Increase?
Yes, deferred pensions accrue increments, which in 2026/27 have also increased in line with uprating percentages.
Should I Review Other Benefits Alongside the Pension?
Absolutely, especially if your income or circumstances change, as this can affect eligibility for Pension Credit or other support.
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