The DWP will soon begin paying an extra £598 a year for many people across the country
Millions of people across the UK could soon witness their annual payments rise by up to £598. However, only those with sufficient National Insurance qualifying years will be eligible for the new maximum payment increase.
The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reveal that 13.1 million people were beneficiaries of the State Pension in February 2025. The government has also reaffirmed its commitment to the triple lock guarantee, which will result in some individuals receiving an additional £11.5 in their bank accounts each week.
The triple lock guarantee is a policy that ensures the State Pension will increase annually by one of three rates: CPI inflation figures, average earnings growth, or 2.5%. Under this guarantee, the State Pension is projected to rise by 4.7% from 6 April 2026.
Eligibility for the payment typically varies, largely depending on the number of years of National Insurance contributions made throughout an individual’s working life.
New State Pension rates for 2026
According to data from the UK Parliament website, both the basic and new State Pension will see the following increases for the 2026/27 financial year:
- New State Pension: Rise from £230.25 per week to £241.30 per week (for those reaching State Pension age on or after April 6, 2016)
- Basic State Pension: Rise from £176.45 per week to £184.90 per week (the core amount in the now outdated State Pension system)
Who is eligible for the new State Pension?
According to government guidance, you can receive payments from the new State Pension as long as you meet the following:
- You are a man born on or after April 6, 1951
- You are a woman born on or after April 6, 1953
If you were born before these dates, you’ll instead be entitled to the basic State Pension and/or the Additional State Pension. Moreover, you’ll need at least 10 qualifying years on your National Insurance record to receive any money from the new State Pension.
Increasing your National Insurance record
Per government advice, any National Insurance qualifying years after 6 April 2016 can boost your State Pension, up to the maximum full rate, which currently stands at £230.25 a week. If you find that you’re not getting the full new State Pension, you can increase it by:
- Getting National Insurance credits
- Working and paying National Insurance contributions until you reach the State Pension age
- Make voluntary National Insurance contributions to fill in any gaps in your record
If you’re not sure how much you”ll get from the State Pension, you can check your forecast for free online here.
