State Pension and Benefit Rates for 2026 to 2027

How much does the State Pension rise in 2026?

The State Pension increased by 4.8% from 6 April 2026 under the triple lock, which raises the pension each year by the highest of average earnings growth, inflation or 2.5%. For 2026/27 the uprating followed average weekly earnings growth for May to July 2025. As a result, the full new State Pension, paid to people who reached State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016, rose to £241.30 a week, up from £230.25, which is about £12,547 a year. The full basic State Pension, paid under the older system, rose to £184.90 a week, up from £176.45. Not everyone receives the full amount, because the new State Pension depends on a person's National Insurance record, usually needing around 35 qualifying years for the full rate and at least 10 years to receive anything. Additional elements, such as protected payments and any additional State Pension built up under the old system, are uprated separately. Pensioners on a low income may also qualify for Pension Credit, which tops up weekly income and can act as a gateway to other help. The exact amount a person receives is shown on their award letter and can be checked on GOV.UK.

How much are Universal Credit payments in 2026/27?

Universal Credit standard allowances rose by more than inflation for 2026/27, reflecting a commitment in the Universal Credit Act 2025 to increase the standard allowance above the normal uprating. The increase combined the 3.8% inflation figure with an additional 2.3% uplift. The monthly standard allowances therefore rose to £338.58 for a single person under 25, up from £316.98; to £424.90 for a single person aged 25 or over, up from £400.14; to £528.34 for joint claimants both under 25; and to £666.97 for joint claimants where one or both are 25 or over, up from £628.10. The standard allowance is only the basic element of a Universal Credit award. Extra amounts, such as the child element, the housing element, the element for limited capability for work and work-related activity, and the carer element, are added on top and are uprated on their own basis. A claimant's actual monthly payment depends on their circumstances, income and any deductions, so two households on the same standard allowance can receive very different totals.

How much do other benefits rise?

Most other benefits linked to inflation rose by 3.8% from April 2026, in line with the Consumer Prices Index rate for September 2025. This applies to a wide range of working-age and disability benefits, and to inflation-linked benefits administered by HM Revenue and Customs. Personal Independence Payment, which helps with the extra costs of a long-term health condition or disability, rose so that the enhanced daily living rate became £114.60 a week and the enhanced mobility rate £80.00 a week, with lower rates for the standard components. Attendance Allowance, paid to older people who need help with personal care, rose to £114.60 a week at the higher rate and £76.70 at the lower rate. Disability Living Allowance, Carer's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseeker's Allowance and other benefits were uprated on the same 3.8% basis where they are inflation-linked. Because the percentage is applied to different starting figures, the cash increase varies from one benefit to another. The full list of new weekly and monthly amounts is published by the Department for Work and Pensions in its benefit and pension rates tables on GOV.UK, which is the definitive reference for each individual rate.

When do the new rates start?

The new rates apply for the 2026 to 2027 tax year, which runs from 6 April 2026 to 5 April 2027. Most weekly benefit and pension rates changed from Monday 6 April 2026, the start of the benefit week, although the exact date a person sees the higher amount depends on their payment cycle. The increases were confirmed after the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions completed the statutory annual review of benefit and State Pension rates, which every government is required to carry out under the Social Security Administration Act 1992. The changes were then given legal effect through the Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2026, approved by Parliament. Because Universal Credit is assessed and paid monthly, claimants generally see the new standard allowance in the first assessment period that begins on or after the uprating date, rather than immediately on 6 April. Anyone unsure when their own payment will reflect the new rate can check their online account, which shows the amounts used in each assessment period.

What else changed for 2026/27?

Alongside the headline uprating, several other changes took effect. The benefit cap, which limits the total amount a working-age household can receive, was frozen again, the third consecutive year without an increase, so a larger share of capped households may feel the effect as other rates rise. Pension Credit, which tops up the income of poorer pensioners, rose so that the Guarantee Credit standard minimum guarantee reached £238.00 a week for a single person and £363.25 for a couple, keeping it broadly in step with the State Pension. Pensioners whose income sits just above the old threshold may find they now qualify, so it is worth checking entitlement after any uprating. The two-child limit within Universal Credit was removed from 6 April 2026, meaning support is no longer restricted to the first two children in a household for the child element. Because several changes interact, households are encouraged to check their overall entitlement rather than assume it has stayed the same, particularly where circumstances or earnings have also changed.

How to check your own rate and what to do

The most reliable way to find the exact amount that applies is to check an award letter, an online account, or the Department for Work and Pensions benefit and pension rates tables on GOV.UK. State Pension recipients can view a forecast and their record through the GOV.UK State Pension service, while Universal Credit claimants can see the figures used in each assessment period in their journal. Pensioners on a low income should consider checking whether they qualify for Pension Credit, which many eligible people do not claim, as it can unlock further help such as help with housing costs and a free TV licence for the over-75s. Anyone whose circumstances have changed, for example through a change in health, caring responsibilities or household make-up, should report the change so their entitlement is calculated correctly. Free, independent guidance on benefits and budgeting is available for anyone who is unsure what they are entitled to or how the new rates affect them.

For more on managing money and benefits, see the Money guides and Bills and household costs sections, the guide to DWP bank holiday payment dates, or the Before You checklists.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the new State Pension in 2026?

The full new State Pension is £241.30 a week for 2026/27, up from £230.25, which is about £12,547 a year. The full basic State Pension is £184.90 a week. Both rose by 4.8% under the triple lock.

When do the 2026 benefit increases start?

Most new rates apply for the 2026 to 2027 tax year, from 6 April 2026 to 5 April 2027, with most weekly rates changing from Monday 6 April 2026. Universal Credit claimants see the change from their first assessment period on or after that date.

How much did Universal Credit go up in 2026?

The Universal Credit standard allowance for a single person aged 25 or over rose to £424.90 a month, up from £400.14. Standard allowances rose by more than inflation under the Universal Credit Act 2025.

Why did the State Pension rise by 4.8%?

Under the triple lock, the State Pension rises each year by the highest of earnings growth, inflation or 2.5%. For 2026/27 earnings growth was highest, so the 4.8% figure reflects average weekly earnings growth for May to July 2025.

Where can I find the full 2026/27 benefit rates?

The Department for Work and Pensions publishes the full benefit and pension rates for 2026 to 2027 on GOV.UK. Your award letter and online account also show the exact amounts that apply to you.