Millions of pensioners are receiving more money from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) following the April 2026 State Pension increase. The Government raised payment rates in line with the Triple Lock policy, and these higher rates will remain in place until April 2027. Anyone retiring this year will receive the New State Pension, worth up to £241.30 per week, while those who retired before April 2016 get the Basic State Pension, up to £184.90 weekly.
How State Pension Payments Work
The DWP issues payments weekly, fortnightly, or every four weeks, depending on the payment cycle agreed when a person claims their pension. This comes as nearly one million pensioners are missing out on a vital DWP benefit, as previously highlighted by ChronicleLive.
Under the Triple Lock, the New and Basic State Pensions increase each year in line with the highest of: average annual earnings growth from May to July, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate in the year to September, or 2.5 per cent. Additional State Pension elements and deferred State Pensions rise each year with the September CPI figure.
New State Pension 2026/27 Rates
- Weekly: £241.30
- Four-weekly pay period: £965.20
- Annual amount: £12,547
The full New State Pension has increased by around £574 over the 2026/27 financial year. However, this leaves just £36 before the Personal Allowance income threshold of £12,570 is exceeded, which could see more pensioners with additional income pay tax in retirement.
Basic State Pension 2026/27 Rates
- Weekly: £184.90
- Four-weekly pay period: £739.60
- Annual amount: £9,614
Other State Pension Rates
- Category B (lower) Basic State Pension - spouse or civil partner's insurance: £110.75
- Category C or D - non-contributory: £110.75
Full details on Additional State Pension, Widows Pension, increments, and Invalidity Allowance can be found on GOV.UK.
Tax Implications
The Government recently confirmed new measures by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to ensure pensioners whose sole income is the State Pension will not need to complete a Simple Self Assessment tax return if their payment takes them over the Personal Allowance threshold of £12,570. The Personal Allowance will remain frozen at £12,570 until April 2031.
It is important to remember the amount of State Pension a person receives depends on their National Insurance contributions. To receive the full New State Pension, you need around 35 years’ worth, but this may differ if you were ‘contracted out’.
