Overview
- April’s triple lock increase lifted the full new state pension to £241.30 a week (about £12,550 a year) and the older basic rate to £184.90 a week.
- The personal allowance remains frozen at £12,570, which leaves the full new pension just shy of the threshold and turns small private pensions, savings interest or part‑time pay into potential tax triggers.
- Money experts say the state pension is built to cover essentials and still falls short of the £13,400 a year ‘minimum’ retirement standard for a single person.
- Many retirees do not receive the full amount because they lack 35 qualifying National Insurance years, though topping up only covers the last six tax years and one year typically adds about £6.89 a week to future payments.
- Pension Credit remains underclaimed, with singles under roughly £238 a week and couples under about £363.25 able to seek a top‑up, and those with severe disabilities now getting an extra £86.05 a week, paid as £344.20 every four weeks.