Millions of people across the UK could soon witness their annual payments rise by up to £598. However, only those with sufficient qualifying years will be eligible for the new maximum payment increase.

Latest data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reveals 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 rise each year by one of three rates: CPI inflation figures, average earnings growth, or 2.5%. Under this guarantee, the State Pension is projected to increase 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.

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• Basic State Pension: Rise from £176.45 per week to £184.90 per week (the core amount in the now outdated State Pension system)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 guidelines, you can receive payments from the new State Pension provided you meet the following criteria:

• 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 will instead receive the basic State Pension and/or the Additional State Pension. Moreover, you will 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

Under government guidance, any National Insurance qualifying years after 6 April 2016 can enhance your State Pension, up to the maximum full rate, which currently stands at £230.25 a week. If you find that you’re not receiving 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.