By Chandraketu Tripathi · Updated April 2026 · Fact-checked News · April 2026The UK State Pension is at the centre of several major developments in 2026 — from the triple lock increase that took effect in April, to the State Pension age rising to 67, to the government's controversial rejection of WASPI compensation. Here is a complete roundup of all the latest State Pension news.
Triple Lock — 4.8% Rise from April 2026The State Pension triple lock guarantees the pension rises each April by the highest of: earnings growth, CPI inflation, or 2.5%. For 2026/27, the earnings growth figure of 4.8% was the highest, triggering a £10.80 per week increase. The full new State Pension is now £241.05 per week — approximately £12,534 per year. The government confirmed in April 2026 that the triple lock will remain in place for the full Parliament. State Pension Age Rising to 67The State Pension age is rising from 66 to 67 between December 2026 and April 2028. This affects women and men born between 6 December 1960 and 5 April 1961, who will reach State Pension age somewhere between their 66th and 67th birthdays depending on their exact birth date. Those born on or after 6 April 1961 will have a State Pension age of 67. Check your exact date at gov.uk/state-pension-age. State Pension and Income Tax — A Growing ProblemWith the full new State Pension now at £12,534 per year and the personal allowance frozen at £12,570, many pensioners with the full State Pension are now just £36 below the income tax threshold. Any additional income — a small private pension, part-time work, savings interest or rental income — could push them into paying income tax for the first time. The State Pension is always paid gross (no tax deducted at source), so HMRC adjusts tax codes on other income to collect any tax due. 💡 If you are a pensioner whose total income from all sources (State Pension + private pension + savings interest + any other income) exceeds £12,570 per year, you may now owe income tax. HMRC will usually adjust your tax code automatically, but check your tax position each April when your State Pension amount changes. Pension IHT Changes — April 2027From 6 April 2027, unused defined contribution pension funds will be included in a deceased person's estate for inheritance tax purposes — subject to 40% IHT above the nil-rate band. This fundamentally changes the role of pensions in estate planning. People who deliberately left their pension untouched to pass it on tax-free will need to review their strategy urgently. Those with significant pension pots should seek regulated financial advice now. ⭐ OUR VERDICT The State Pension landscape in 2026 is more complex than ever. The triple lock increase is welcome but the State Pension is now approaching the personal allowance — creating unexpected tax bills for pensioners with any additional income. The WASPI compensation rejection is a significant blow to 3.6 million women. And the pension IHT change from April 2027 requires urgent estate planning for those with large pension pots. Stay updated via gov.uk and seek professional advice if the pension IHT changes affect your planning. Frequently Asked QuestionsHow much is the State Pension in April 2026? The full new State Pension is £241.05 per week from April 2026 — approximately £12,534 per year. This represents a 4.8% increase under the triple lock guarantee. The basic (old) State Pension rises to approximately £184.75 per week. Is the triple lock safe in 2026? Yes. The government confirmed in April 2026 that the triple lock will remain in place for the full Parliament. The triple lock guarantees the State Pension rises each April by the highest of earnings growth, CPI inflation, or 2.5%. Will State Pension age go up to 68? A State Pension age of 68 has been proposed for those born after 5 April 1977, potentially from 2044. This has not yet been legislated. The rise to 67 (affecting those born between December 1960 and April 1961) is confirmed and is happening gradually from December 2026. Why is WASPI compensation not being paid? The government rejected WASPI compensation for the second time in January 2026, arguing that a £10.3 billion scheme would be an unjustifiable use of taxpayer money. The government accepted the Ombudsman's finding of maladministration but disputed that it caused significant individual injustice. WASPI is pursuing a judicial review legal challenge. |
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