How much is the State Pension in 2026?

Everything you need to know about the basic and new state pension in 2026/27. How much is the State Pension? The amount you get depends on when you reach 66 years old and your National Insurance record. Here’s a breakdown for 2026/27.

At a glance

• In 2026/27, the basic pension is £184.90 per week and the new State Pension is £241.30 per week.
• This pension can be deferred to increase the amount received.
• It is possible to claim your new State Pension even if you carry on working.

Basic vs new State Pension: what’s the difference?

There are two types of state pension in the UK:

• Basic State Pension

• New State Pension

How much is the basic State Pension 2026/27?

You are eligible for the basic State Pension if you reached 66 years old before 6 April 2016

• The basic State Pension is £184.90 per week in 2026/27

This can be topped up by additional State Pension (SERPS or State Second Pension)

How much is the new State Pension in 2026/27?

You are eligible for the new State Pension if you reached 66 years old on or after 6 April 2016

The new State Pension is £241.30 per week in 2026/27

• Based mainly on your National Insurance record and any protected or additional entitlement.

You’ll typically need 35 qualifying years of National Insurance to receive the full amount.

What is the State Pension age? 

It is currently 66 years old for men and women.

What is the triple lock?

Your pension is determined by the ‘triple lock’, which raises its value by whichever is highest:

A) the level of earnings or

B) inflation or

C) 2.5%.

In April 2026, payments went up by 4.8%, reflecting wage growth.

How to check what you’ll get

The simplest way to understand your position is to check your forecast.

This will tell you:

• How much you’re on track to receive.
• When you can claim.
• Whether you can increase your amount.

It’s useful to check your National Insurance record to find out if you have paid enough National Insurance to qualify for the full pension, as filling any gaps can sometimes boost your pension.

Can I increase it?

In some cases, yes. The two main ways are:

• Deferring your pension – delaying your claim, increases your future payments.
• Additional State Pension – if you’re eligible under the older system.

Deferring isn’t right for everyone, but it can be worth considering if you don’t need the income straight away.

What is the Additional State Pension?

This is an extra amount of money you could get on top of your basic State Pension if you’re a woman born before 6 April 1953 or a man born before 6 April 1951.

There is no fixed amount for the Additional State Pension.

How much you get depends on how many years you paid National Insurance for, your earnings, whether you’ve contracted out of the scheme and whether you topped up your basic State Pension.

Who can claim basic pension vs new State Pension? 

If you reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016, you’ll get the basic pension. To claim it, you must be either a man born before 6 April 1951 or woman born before 6 April 1953.

You can claim the new State Pension, if you are a man born on or after 6 April 1951 or a woman born on or after 6 April 1953. The earliest you can receive it is when you reach pension age.

When and how to claim

You won’t receive your pension automatically, you’ll need to claim it.

Most people get a letter about three months before they reach State Pension age, which explains how to claim.

• If you’re applying online, you’ll need the invitation code from this letter.
• If that letter doesn’t arrive two months before your pension age, contact the Pension Service on 0800 731 0469, so that your payments aren’t delayed.
• You’ll also need details of your most recent marriage, civil partnership or divorce, the dates of any time you lived or worked abroad and your bank details.

You can claim online via the gov.uk website or phone the Claim line on 0800 731 7898 or post a claim form to the postal address:  Pension Service 8, Post Handling Site B, Wolverhampton WV98 1AF.

If you are claiming pension or benefits from abroad or you have lived abroad, you can contact the International Pension Centre.

How do I defer my pension?

• If you want to defer, you do not have to do anything. Your pension will automatically be deferred until you claim it.
• Deferring your pension increases the amount of money you get when you do decide to claim it later.
• When you claim your deferred pension, you’ll get a letter asking how you want to take your extra pension.

Can I claim more?  

You can only increase your full State Pension if:

• You have over a certain amount of Additional State Pension.
• You delay taking your pension.  

Can I inherit or increase a pension from a spouse or civil partner?

You may be able to inherit an extra payment on top of your new State Pension if you’re widowed.

You won’t be able to inherit anything if you remarry or form a new civil partnership before you reach pension age.

Can I claim my pension if I move into a care home?

Yes, you can receive a pension when in a care home. If you decide to move into a care home, it does not usually stop your pension, but it can affect how your income is assessed toward care costs.

• A self-funder who is paying for all care home fees themselves will continue to receive a pension as normal.
• If you receive state-funded care, your pension will be counted as income when they work out how much you should contribute. Your pension will be used to pay towards the costs of your care home fees.

What is Pension Credit?

Pension Credit is a means tested entitlement based on income and capital. You must have reached State Pension age to claim. It has two parts: Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit.

What to do next

If you’re getting close to State Pension age, a few small steps can make a real difference:

• Check your State Pension forecast
• Review your National Insurance record
• Watch for your claim letter
• Decide whether to claim straight away or defer

Getting clear on this now can help you feel more in control of what’s ahead.

FAQs