State Pension 2025/26 — How Much Will You Get and When?

State Pension Rates 2025/26

From 6 April 2025, State Pension rates are: New State Pension (for those who reached State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016): £221.20 per week, £958.53 per month, £11,502.40 per year. Basic State Pension (for those who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016): £169.50 per week, £734.50 per month, £8,814 per year. The increase from 2024/25 was 4.1% — determined by the earnings growth element of the triple lock (the highest of earnings growth, CPI inflation, or 2.5%). These rates assume you receive the full amount; your actual payment depends on your National Insurance record.

"These rates assume you receive the full amount; your actual payment depends on your National Insurance record."

The Triple Lock — How State Pension Increases Are Set

The State Pension increases each April by the highest of three measures: average earnings growth (measured in the three months to July), CPI inflation (measured in September), or 2.5%. This guarantee — known as the triple lock — has been in place since 2011 and has meant State Pension increases have consistently outpaced inflation over the long run. For 2025/26, earnings growth of 4.1% was the highest measure. The government has committed to maintaining the triple lock for the duration of the current parliament, though there is ongoing political debate about its long-term affordability.

When Can You Claim the State Pension?

The State Pension age for both men and women is currently 66. It will rise to 67 gradually between May 2026 and March 2028, affecting those born between 6 April 1960 and 5 April 1977. A further increase to 68 has been legislated for 2044–2046 (affecting those born after 5 April 1977), though this may be brought forward — a review is underway. You can check your exact State Pension age using the government calculator at gov.uk/state-pension-age. You do not receive the State Pension automatically — you must claim it, usually 2–3 months before reaching State Pension age.

National Insurance and Qualifying Years

Your State Pension is based on your National Insurance record. For the full new State Pension (£221.20/week), you need 35 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions or credits. You need a minimum of 10 qualifying years to receive any State Pension payment. A qualifying year is any tax year in which you paid NI contributions (through employment, self-employment, or voluntary payments), or in which you received NI credits. NI credits are awarded automatically in certain circumstances: when you claim Child Benefit, when you claim certain benefits (Universal Credit, Carer's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance), or when you are on Statutory Maternity, Paternity or Shared Parental Pay.

"Your State Pension is based on your National Insurance record"

Checking and Filling Gaps in Your NI Record

Check your NI record at gov.uk/check-national-insurance-record. It shows every year from age 16 onwards, whether each year is complete, partial, or has a gap. Gaps can be filled by paying voluntary Class 3 NI contributions at £824.20 per year (2025/26 rate). Each year you fill adds approximately £5.29 per week (£275/year) to your State Pension for life. For someone who lives 20 years past State Pension age, filling one gap at £824 delivers £5,500 in total pension — a return of 567%. Always call the Future Pension Centre before paying to confirm the contribution will actually increase your pension.

Deferring Your State Pension

You do not have to claim your State Pension as soon as you reach State Pension age. Every year you defer increases your pension by 1% for every 9 weeks you delay — approximately 5.8% per year. If you defer for one year, your pension increases from £221.20/week to £233.90/week — an extra £663 per year. Whether this is worthwhile depends on your life expectancy and financial circumstances. If you are still working and would pay higher rate tax on the State Pension, deferring may make tax sense. If you have significant other pension income, deferring reduces the period over which you recoup the deferred amount.

State Pension and Tax

The State Pension is taxable income, but it is paid gross — without any tax deducted at source. If your total income (State Pension plus any other pensions, part-time work, or savings interest) exceeds your Personal Allowance of £12,570, you will owe income tax. HMRC usually collects this by adjusting the tax code on any other pension or employment income you receive. In 2025/26, the full new State Pension of £11,502.40 is £1,067.60 below the Personal Allowance — meaning someone whose only income is the State Pension pays no income tax. However, if you also receive a workplace or personal pension, the combined income may push you into the 20% tax bracket.

"The State Pension is taxable income, but it is paid gross — without any tax deducted at source"