For weeks the figures were estimates. Now they’re confirmed.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden told Parliament in a written statement on Budget day, October 28, that the basic and new State Pensions will rise by 3.9% in the 2027 to 2028 tax year. That’s the triple lock at work. Earnings grew faster than both inflation and the 2.5% minimum, so earnings set the increase.
“I am pleased to announce that the Basic and full rate of the New State Pensions will be increased by 3.9 per cent,” McFadden said.
The confirmed rates
| 2026/27 | 2027/28 | Increase | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full new State Pension (reached pension age on or after April 6, 2016) | £241.30 a week (£12,547.60 a year) | £250.70 a week (£13,036.40 a year) | £9.40 a week, about £489 a year |
| Full basic State Pension (reached pension age before April 6, 2016) | £184.90 a week (£9,614.80 a year) | £192.10 a week (£9,989.20 a year) | £7.20 a week, about £374 a year |
These are the full rates. If you get less than the full amount, for example because of gaps in your National Insurance record, your pension still goes up by 3.9%.
When it starts
The new rates mainly apply from April 12, 2027. Because the State Pension is paid every four weeks in arrears, many people will see the full increase in a payment in late April or May, depending on their payment day.
You don’t need to apply. It happens automatically, and DWP usually sends a letter early in the year confirming your new amount.
What about additional State Pension?
Extra amounts on top of the basic pension, such as SERPS or the State Second Pension, and the “protected payment” some people get with the new State Pension, normally rise by inflation, not earnings. September’s CPI figure, 3.5%, sets that increase.
Will you pay tax on it?
At £13,036.40 a year, the full new State Pension is now above the £12,570 Personal Allowance for the first time. To stop pensioners on low incomes being taxed, the Budget introduced a new Pension Tax Allowance from April 2027. If your total income is up to about £13,037, you shouldn’t pay income tax, and you won’t need to claim anything.
If you have a private or workplace pension on top, you may already pay some tax, and that’s not expected to change.
What you can do now
- Check your State Pension forecast on GOV.UK if you haven’t reached pension age yet. It shows if there are gaps you could fill with voluntary National Insurance contributions.
- Claim Pension Credit if your income is low. It tops up your weekly income and can unlock help with rent, council tax, heating and a free TV licence for over-75s.
- Keep an eye out for your uprating letter in early 2027.
Sources: Brit Brief (October 29, 2026), UK Parliament, State Pension and Benefit Rates 2027-28 statutory review and MoneySavingExpert, Pension Tax Allowance.
Maria is a dedicated news writer covering the latest UK updates on DWP, PIP, State Pension Triple Lock, Child Benefit, Universal Credit, and driving licence regulations. She focuses on explaining government announcements, benefit eligibility, payment changes, pension increases, and new regulations in a clear and easy-to-understand way.