By Chandraketu Tripathi · Updated 6 April 2026 · Fact-checked Breaking · 6 April 2026The full new State Pension increased to £241.30 per week from today — 6 April 2026. This 4.8% rise, triggered by the triple lock guarantee using average earnings growth, means an extra £10.80 per week or approximately £562 per year for the 12 million+ pensioners receiving the full amount. Here is everything you need to know.
When Will I Receive the Higher Amount?The State Pension increase takes effect from 6 April 2026 — but you will not necessarily see the higher amount in your next payment. The State Pension is paid every four weeks in arrears, meaning the new rate applies from your first payment period that begins on or after 6 April 2026. Most pensioners will see the new amount in their April or May payment. Triple Lock — How the 4.8% Was CalculatedThe triple lock guarantees the State Pension rises each April by the highest of three measures: average earnings growth (4.8% — the winning figure for 2026), CPI inflation (3.8%), or 2.5%. The 4.8% earnings growth figure comes from the Average Weekly Earnings index for May to July 2025, which HMRC uses as the benchmark for the following April's uprating. The State Pension and Income Tax — Watch OutWith the full new State Pension now at £12,548 per year and the personal allowance frozen at £12,570, pensioners with the full State Pension are just £22 below the income tax threshold. Any additional income — a small private pension, part-time earnings, savings interest or rental income — could push you into paying income tax for the first time in 2026/27. The State Pension is always paid gross — HMRC adjusts tax codes on other income sources to collect any tax due. 💡 Check your State Pension forecast at gov.uk/check-state-pension to confirm you are receiving the correct amount. If you have fewer than 35 qualifying National Insurance years, you will receive a proportionally reduced amount — not the full £241.30. Consider whether buying missing NI years (approximately £824 each) would boost your pension. What If My Payment Looks Wrong?If your State Pension payment after April 2026 does not reflect the new rate, first check your bank statements carefully — remember payments arrive every 4 weeks in arrears, so timing can be confusing. If after two payment cycles your amount has not changed, contact the Pension Service on 0800 731 0469 (free, Monday to Friday 8am-6pm). ⭐ KEY TAKEAWAY The 4.8% State Pension increase from 6 April 2026 is the most generous uprating in three years. However, with the State Pension now approaching the personal allowance threshold, many pensioners with any additional income will now owe income tax for the first time. Check your overall income position for 2026/27 and ensure you are claiming all benefits you are entitled to — particularly Pension Credit if your total income is below £227.10/week. Frequently Asked QuestionsHow much is the State Pension from April 2026? The full new State Pension is £241.30 per week from 6 April 2026, up from £241.30. This equals approximately £12,548 per year. The basic (old) State Pension rises to approximately £184.75 per week. The exact amount you receive depends on your National Insurance record. When will I get the new higher State Pension? The increase applies from 6 April 2026 but is paid in arrears. You will see the higher amount in your first State Pension payment whose four-week period began on or after 6 April 2026. Most pensioners will see the new rate in their April or May 2026 payment. Will I pay tax on my State Pension in 2026? The State Pension itself is not taxed at source — it is always paid gross. However, if your total income from all sources (State Pension plus any private pension, savings interest, rental income or earnings) exceeds £12,570 in 2026/27, you will owe income tax. HMRC collects this by adjusting your tax code on other income. What is the triple lock? The triple lock is a government guarantee that the State Pension increases every April by the highest of three measures: average earnings growth, CPI inflation, or 2.5%. For 2026/27, average earnings growth of 4.8% was the highest figure, triggering a £10.80 per week increase for those on the full new State Pension. |
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