Overview
- Both the new and old State Pensions will rise by 4.8% from April 2026 under the triple lock, taking the full new rate to £241.30 a week (£12,547.60 a year) and the basic rate to £184.90 a week.
- Chancellor Rachel Reeves has committed that people whose sole income is the State Pension will not pay income tax during this Parliament, with HMRC and DWP exploring how to avoid Simple Assessment from 2027/28.
- DWP figures show about 910,000 eligible pensioner households have not claimed Pension Credit, leaving roughly £2.5bn unclaimed, and the department is intensifying its take‑up campaign via GOV.UK and the 0800 99 1234 helpline.
- The Pension Credit standard minimum guarantee will also increase by 4.8% from April 2026, lifting the maximum weekly payment to about £238 and worth up to around £572 a year, which can unlock wider support such as Council Tax help and the Warm Home Discount.
- Experts and opponents warn the tax pledge creates a two‑tier system that appears unfair to retirees with private or workplace pensions who remain liable for income tax above the personal allowance.