State pension update as three major changes hitting bank accounts from today

Temie Laleye
Mon, 06 Apr 2026 10:38:54 +0000

Millions of pensioners across Britain will see their bank accounts affected by major changes from today.

The shifts, touching payments and eligibility, are set to reshape household finances for older adults.

State Pension recipients across Britain are receiving a significant income boost from today. The increase comes as the new tax year brings a 4.8 per cent uplift under the triple lock mechanism.

The rise is triggered by average wage growth being the highest of the three qualifying measures. It pushes the full new State Pension to £241.30 per week.

This represents an £11.05 increase, which adds up to approximately £575 extra annually.

Those claiming the basic State Pension will see weekly payments climb from £176.45 to £184.90.

This rise is worth an additional £439.40 over the year.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: "I know global shocks, and the effects they have on our living costs, will be increasing anxiety for many households. This government will always protect our pensioners."

The DWP confirmed pensioners' incomes will rise by up to £2,100 over this Parliament.

Pension Credit is also rising by 4.8 per cent from today, providing crucial support for older people on lower incomes.

The standard minimum guarantee climbs from £227.10 to £238 weekly for single claimants—an increase of £10.90 that amounts to £566.80 extra annually.

Couples will see their joint rate increase from £346.60 to £363.25 per week, delivering an additional £865.80 over the year.

The benefit, averaging £4,300 annually, is paid separately from the State Pension and serves as a gateway to further assistance.

Eligible claimants can access help with housing costs, Council Tax reductions, the Winter Fuel Payment, NHS treatment expenses, and a free television licence for those aged 75 and above.

A major shift in State Pension eligibility also takes effect today, with the qualifying age beginning its gradual ascent from 66 to 67.

The transition unfolds in monthly increments, meaning small differences in birth dates can significantly affect when individuals become eligible.

Those born on or after 6 April 1960 may qualify at 66 and one month, with the threshold rising progressively until those born on or after 6 March 1961 face a full State Pension age of 67.

Zoe Alexander, executive director of policy and advocacy at Pensions UK, said: "Because the change happens in monthly steps, a single day's difference in your birthday can shift your state pension age by weeks or months."

The Institute for Fiscal Studies estimates this rise will save approximately £10billion annually by Parliament's end.

The IFS cautioned that while the fiscal benefits are substantial, past evidence suggests raising the State Pension age reduces incomes and increases poverty among affected groups.

Laurence O'Brien, senior research economist at the IFS, said: "The people most affected are often those least able to adjust through staying in work or drawing on other savings - for example, those already out of work or in poor health."

Rachel Vahey, head of public policy at AJ Bell, warned this is "very much the beginning rather than the end of this story", noting current plans will push the age to 68 between 2044 and 2046.

Experts advise checking eligibility dates via the Government calculator and planning for any gap between leaving work and receiving pension payments.