State Pension Amounts Are Going Up — But So Is the State Pension Age

From 6 April 2026, both the basic and new State Pensions increased by 4.8% under the government's Triple Lock guarantee. For most pensioners, this will mean a noticeable boost in their next payment — but alongside the good news, April also marks the start of a gradual increase to the State Pension age itself. Here's what's changing and what it means for you.

How much more will pensioners receive?

The full rate of the new State Pension has gone up from £230.25 to £241.30 per week — an increase of £11.05 per week, or around £575 over the course of a year. If you're on the older basic State Pension, that rises from £176.45 to £184.90 per week.

Pension Credit has also increased by 4.8%. The Standard Minimum Guarantee is now £238.00 per week for a single pensioner and £363.25 for a couple. Pension Credit is worth an average of £4,300 a year and can unlock additional support including help with housing costs, council tax, and free television licences — so if you think you or someone you know might be eligible, it's well worth checking.

These increases apply automatically. If you're already receiving the State Pension, you don't need to do anything — the uplift should be reflected in your next payment.

What is the Triple Lock?

The Triple Lock is the government's commitment to increase the State Pension each year by the highest of average earnings growth, inflation (as measured by the Consumer Prices Index), or 2.5%. This year, the 4.8% increase is in line with the rise in average earnings. It's the mechanism that's driven above-inflation increases over this parliament, and the government says pensioners' annual incomes are expected to rise by up to £2,100 by the end of the current parliamentary term.

The State Pension age is starting to rise

The other significant change from April 2026 is the beginning of a phased increase in the State Pension age from 66 to 67.

This isn't happening overnight. The increase is being introduced gradually over the course of a year, based on your date of birth. If you were born between 6 April and 5 May 1960, you'll need to wait an extra month before you can claim your State Pension. Those born between 6 May and 5 June 1960 will wait an extra two months, and so on. By April 2027, the State Pension age will have reached 67 for everyone.

This has been on the statute book for some time, but the practical impact is now being felt. It also signals the direction of travel — further increases beyond 67 are widely expected in the years ahead, which is worth factoring into any longer-term retirement planning.

What should you do?

If you're approaching State Pension age, it's worth checking your State Pension forecast on GOV.UK to understand what you'll receive and when. If you have gaps in your National Insurance record, you may still be able to make voluntary contributions to boost your entitlement — though the window for doing so can be limited, so it's best not to leave it too late.

If you're already drawing your State Pension, no action is needed — the increase is applied automatically.

We can help

Whether you're planning for retirement, reviewing your pension position, or just want to understand how these changes affect your wider tax and financial picture, the team at Alera Accounting & Advisory is here to help.

Get in touch today and let's make sure you're in the best position possible.