Updated: October 2026
The State Pension rose by 4.8% in April 2026, thanks to the triple lock. That is a welcome boost for anyone relying on it, and another rise is expected in April 2027.
Here is how much more you are getting, when the next increase is due and what it means for your retirement income.
Quick answer: From April 2026, the full new State Pension is £241.30 a week (up from £230.25), and the full basic State Pension is £184.90 a week (up from £176.45). Another rise of around 3.9% is expected from April 2027, taking the full new State Pension to about £250.70 a week.
What is the triple lock?
The triple lock means the State Pension rises each April by the highest of:
- inflation (CPI in the September before)
- average earnings growth
- 2.5%
For April 2026, earnings growth of 4.8% was the highest, so that set the increase. Our guide to the triple lock explains it in more detail.
How much is the State Pension in 2026/27?
| 2025/26 | 2026/27 | Weekly rise | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full new State Pension | £230.25 | £241.30 | £11.05 |
| Full basic State Pension | £176.45 | £184.90 | £8.45 |
| Pension Credit (single) | £227.10 | £238.00 | £10.90 |
| Pension Credit (couple) | £346.60 | £363.25 | £16.65 |
Over a year, that is about £575 more for someone on the full new State Pension and about £440 more on the full basic State Pension.
If you get less than the full amount, your State Pension still rises by 4.8%. Any additional State Pension and protected payments also rise, in line with inflation.
What about April 2027?
The April 2027 rise depends on figures published in autumn 2026. Earnings growth for the relevant period came in at 3.9%, higher than September’s inflation figure, so the State Pension is expected to rise by around 3.9%:
- full new State Pension: about £250.70 a week (around £13,036 a year)
- full basic State Pension: about £192.10 a week
These are estimates until the government confirms the new rates. Because the full new State Pension would then be above the £12,570 Personal Allowance, read how the State Pension is taxed to see what it could mean for you.
When are you paid?
The State Pension is usually paid every four weeks, in arrears. Your payment day depends on the last two digits of your National Insurance number. The increase applies from the first full week after 6 April each year.
Will everyone get the full amount?
No. You only get the full new State Pension if you have 35 qualifying years on your National Insurance record and reached State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016. People who reached State Pension age before then are on the old basic State Pension, which is worked out differently.
If you have gaps, you may be able to fill them. See our guides to voluntary National Insurance contributions and childcare credits for grandparents. You can check your State Pension forecast on GOV.UK.
What about Pension Credit?
If your income is still low after the increase, Pension Credit could top it up to at least £238.00 a week for a single person, or £363.25 for a couple. It also unlocks other help, such as the full household Winter Fuel Payment, help with council tax, and a free TV licence if you are 75 or over.
Read our guide to Pension Credit, and see our guide to the UK State Pension for a full breakdown of eligibility.
Final thoughts
The 4.8% rise in April 2026 is good news, and another increase is on the way for 2027. But with the Personal Allowance frozen, more of that rise may go in tax if you have other income. Check your forecast, look for gaps in your record, and make sure you are claiming everything you are entitled to.
