State pension rises to £241.30 as DWP benefit increases take effect

Joe Sledge
Tue, 31 Mar 2026 22:59:03 +0000

Millions of pensioners across the UK are set to receive higher payments from April 1 as the annual benefit uprating for 2026/27 takes effect.

The state pension is rising by 4.8 per cent under the Government’s Triple Lock guarantee, which ensures payments increase by the highest of inflation, average earnings growth or 2.5 per cent.

For those receiving the full new state pension, weekly payments will rise to £241.30.

Those on the old basic state pension will see their weekly amount increase to £184.90.

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Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed the changes in the latest Budget.

While the state pension rises by 4.8 per cent, most other benefits are increasing by 3.8 per cent in line with inflation.

Universal Credit standard allowances are increasing, with single claimants aged 25 and over receiving £424.90 per month.

Couples where at least one partner is aged 25 or over will receive £666.97 per month.

Disability benefits are also increasing.

Personal Independence Payment at the enhanced daily living rate will rise to £114.60 per week, with the enhanced mobility component reaching £80.00.

Attendance Allowance will increase to £114.60 per week at the higher rate.

These payments are not means-tested and are tax-free.

Pension Credit will continue to provide a minimum income for older people.

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Claiming Pension Credit can provide access to additional support, including free NHS dental treatment, Council Tax Reduction, Cold Weather Payments and a free TV licence for those aged 75 and over.

Steve Webb, a former pensions minister and partner at LCP, said the increases are important for households.

Mr Webb said: "With households continuing to face a high cost of living and further increases in bills such as Council Tax, these annual upratings are vital to make sure that pensioner living standards are protected against inflation."

There is no upper capital limit for Pension Credit, although tariff income applies to savings above £10,000.

Carer’s Allowance will rise to £86.45 per week for those providing at least 35 hours of care and earning no more than £204 per week.

Jobseeker’s Allowance for those aged 25 and over will increase to £95.55 per week.

Statutory Sick Pay will rise to £123.25 per week.

Statutory Maternity Pay and other parental payments will increase to £194.32 per week.

The benefit cap has been set at £25,323 per year for couples or single parents in Greater London, and £22,020 for the rest of Britain.

Single adults will face a cap of £16,967 in London and £14,753 elsewhere, although some disability claimants are exempt.