The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that some state pensioners who retired before 2016 could be entitled to an extra £922 a month through the Additional Pension (AP) scheme, which includes legacy SERPS payments and the pre-2016 state pension top-up.
State pensioners in receipt of Additional Pension can receive £230.54 weekly or £922 monthly from the DWP. The enhanced payments apply to older pensioners who qualify for elements from legacy schemes such as SERPS and the Second State Pension.
Maximum AP payments uprated in April
Maximum AP payments were uprated in April, rising from £222.10 to £230.54 by the DWP. This means some eligible claimants could be receiving £922 additional each month.
However, the amount of Additional Pension paid depends on factors including years of National Insurance contributions, earnings, and whether a pensioner contracted out of the scheme. While new applications for AP schemes are closed, existing beneficiaries continue to collect these supplementary payments alongside their basic state pension.
Who could contribute to the additional state pension
Which? explains: "Before 2002, you could only contribute to the additional state pension (then known as the state earnings-related pension scheme, or Serps) if you were employed."
"However, under the state second pension scheme, which ran from 2002 to 2016, you could contribute through your National Insurance contributions."
That is if you were an employee earning at least £113 a week, caring for one or more children under 12 and claiming child benefit or claiming carer's credit, as well as if you were claiming certain disability-related benefits.
No fixed amount for the additional state pension
It adds: "There is no fixed amount for the additional state pension."
"The amount of additional state pension you'll get depends on how many years you paid National Insurance for, how much you earned and whether you contracted out of the scheme."
"The maximum additional state pension you can get in 2026-27 is £230.54 a week (not including state pension top-up)."
Prior to the 2016 State Pension reforms, individuals, along with their workplace or private pension provider, had the option to 'contract out' of the Additional State Pension. The Additional State Pension was also referred to as the State Second Pension or 'SERPs'. All contracting out arrangements ceased on 5 April 2016. Following this date, all National Insurance contributions are made at the standard rate until an individual reaches State Pension age.
