The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that older state pensioners claiming the basic State Pension will receive up to £739.60 every four weeks in July, following a 4.8% increase under the triple lock guarantee. The new rates took effect on April 6, 2026, and will continue for the remainder of the tax year.
Triple Lock Increase Details
The State Pension rises annually in April based on the triple lock, which ensures it increases by the highest of three measures: the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate for the previous September, average wage growth from May to July of the prior year, or 2.5%. For the 2026/27 tax year, average wage growth of 4.8% was the highest metric, triggering the increase.
The basic State Pension weekly rate rose from £176.45 to £184.90, resulting in a four-week payment of £739.60 for those with a full National Insurance record. Over the full year, this amounts to £9,614.80, an extra £439.40 annually.
Eligibility Requirements
To receive the full basic State Pension, individuals must have a certain number of qualifying National Insurance years. For men born between 1945 and 1951, 30 qualifying years are required; for those born before 1945, 44 years are needed. For women born between 1950 and 1953, 30 qualifying years are required; for those born before 1950, 39 years are necessary. Those with fewer qualifying years will receive a reduced amount.
Official Confirmation
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden announced the increase late last year, stating: “I am pleased to announce that the basic and new State Pensions will be increased by 4.8%, in line with the increase in average weekly earnings in the year to May-July 2025. This delivers on our commitment to the Triple Lock, increasing these rates in line with the highest of growth in prices, growth in earnings or 2.5%. From April, the full annual rate of the new State Pension will increase by around £575. The full annual rate of the basic State Pension will increase by around £440.”
Payment Schedule
The DWP explained that the payment date depends on the pensioner's National Insurance number. Pensioners can check when their usual payment will fall in June by referencing their National Insurance number. The DWP stated: “You’ll be asked when you want to start getting your State Pension when you claim. Your first payment will be no later than 5 weeks after the date you choose. You’ll get a full payment every 4 weeks after that. You might get part of a payment before your first full payment. The letter confirming your State Pension payment will tell you what to expect. The day your pension is paid depends on your National Insurance number. You might be paid earlier if your normal payment day is a bank holiday.”
