Starting April 6, UK State Pensioners will see a rise in their weekly payments as new rates come into effect. The 4.1% increase is part of the government’s effort to maintain the triple lock system, which ensures pensions adjust according to inflation, wage growth, or 2.5%, whichever is higher.
This annual adjustment follows the increase in average weekly earnings for May to July 2024, as reported by Express. The new rates will affect both basic and new state pensions across the country.
Basic State Pensions Rise and New Rates
For individuals receiving the basic State Pension, those born before April 6, 1951 (men), and before April 6, 1953 (women), will see a 4.1% increase in their weekly payments.
The amount will rise from £169.50 to £176.45 per week, providing an additional £6.95 each week. Over the course of the year, this adds up to £360 in extra payments, assuming the individual receives the full rate.
To qualify for the full basic State Pension, individuals must have a certain number of qualifying years of National Insurance contributions. For men born between 1945 and 1951, this is typically 30 years, or 44 years for those born before 1945.
For women born between 1950 and 1953, 30 qualifying years are needed, while those born before 1950 need 39 years. Without the full qualifying years, the weekly amount will be lower.
The total annual amount for those on the full basic pension will be £9,175.40 starting from April 6, 2025, representing an extra £360 over the year.
New State Pensions Increase
Those who are eligible for the New State Pension—men born on or after April 6, 1951, and women born on or after April 6, 1953—will also benefit from the 4.1% increase. The full rate will rise from £221.20 per week to £230.25, giving an additional £9.05 each week. Over the year, this will result in an extra £470 added to their pension pot.
Individuals receiving the full new rate will be eligible for £11,973 in payments across the year, significantly more than those on the full basic State Pension, which totals £9,175.40 annually.
New Rates for State Pensioners and Pension Credit Increase
For those over State Pension age with low income, Pension Credit—a benefit designed to provide extra financial support—will also increase by 4.1%. The standard minimum guarantee for individuals will rise from £218.15 per week to £227.10. For couples, the weekly amount will increase from £332.95 to £364.60.
This means single recipients will see an additional £8.95 each week, and couples will receive £31.65 more weekly. Over the course of a year, single recipients will gain an extra £465.40, and couples will receive £1,645.80 more.
In total, more than 12 million pensioners will benefit from these increases. The government’s spokesperson confirmed:
“To help make sure pensioners are protected in their retirement, we have also confirmed a 4.1% increase to the basic and new State Pension, as well as the standard minimum guarantee for Pension Credit, from April next year. Over 12 million pensioners will benefit as the full new State Pension will rise from £221.20 to £230.25 a week, providing an extra £470 a year. The full basic State Pension will increase from £169.50 to £176.45 per week, worth an extra £360 annually.”
