This month, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is implementing an increase in State Pension payments for individuals who qualify.
The rise will be applied to both the New State Pension and the Basic State Pension, providing pensioners with a notable increase in their weekly payments. This adjustment comes at a time when many retirees are grappling with rising living costs, making the increase all the more significant.
According to Devon Live, this boost in payments is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to support pensioners and ensure they can keep up with inflation and rising expenses.
New State Pension Increase
For those receiving the New State Pension, weekly payments will rise by £9.05, from £221.20 to £230.25. This change will result in an annual increase of £473.60, raising the total amount to £11,973 for the 2025/26 financial year.
- Weekly Payment: £230.25 (up from £221.20)
- Fortnightly Payment: £460.50 (up from £442.40)
- Four-Weekly Payment: £921 (up from £884.80)
Basic State Pension Rise
The Full Basic State Pension will also see a weekly rise of £6.95, from £169.50 to £176.45. Over the course of a year, this increase will bring the annual total to £9,175.40.
- Weekly Payment: £176.45 (up from £169.50)
- Fortnightly Payment: £352.90 (up from £339)
- Four-Weekly Payment: £705.80 (up from £678)
Options for Changing Payment Frequency
Pensioners who are currently receiving their payments on a four-weekly basis can opt to change the frequency to weekly or fortnightly. This option is available to those who have already set up their payments to be made directly into a bank account.
Former DWP employee, Sandra Wrench, spoke to the Daily Record, advising:
If you have already made a claim for State Pension and are in receipt of four-weekly payments, and you want weekly payments, then phone the DWP change of circumstances (Pension Service) telephone number on 0800 731 0469, and request weekly payments.
She further explained:
Alternatively, write to The Pension Service, Post Handling Site A, Wolverhampton WV98 1AF, with your name, address, and National Insurance number and ask to be changed to weekly payment for your State Pension.
For those yet to claim, Wrench advises :
If you are yet to claim your State Pension, put in the information box on the State Pension claim form ‘Please pay my pension weekly’.
Wrench also highlighted a potential benefit of weekly payments:
From your ‘budget point of view’, it may be easier to be paid weekly then you know exactly how much State Pension has been paid into your account each month.
For some members of the public who are used to being paid their wages weekly, claiming a State Pension which is paid every four weeks, can cause problems financially and make it difficult for them to budget – Wrench stated.
A point made by Paul Lewis, a finance expert, echoes this. Back in 2021, he mentioned:
Three quarters of all pensioners are paid four weeks in arrears, but a State Pension can also be paid weekly.” He further noted: “The Government hides this option when people apply, as the application form simply says ‘State Pension is usually paid every four weeks’.
The Triple Lock Commitment
The Labour Government has committed to maintaining the Triple Lock throughout its term, ensuring that pensions continue to increase in line with inflation. The latest projections indicate an increase of 4.1% for the 2025/26 financial year, followed by 2.5% rises in the subsequent years.
With rising living costs, including higher energy bills and other household expenses, many pensioners may find that adjusting the payment frequency could help with managing their finances.
The DWP is also sending out notifications to all 13 million State Pension recipients regarding their new rates for 2025/26, prompting them to check if they qualify for Pension Credit.
