Major pension changes coming in 2026 including a pay boost and retirement age rise

This increase follows the triple lock mechanism, which guarantees pensioners receive whichever figure proves highest among average wage growth, inflation, or 2.5 per cent.

Beyond the payment uplift, the coming year brings changes to retirement age thresholds, the launch of digital pension tracking tools, fresh workplace saving options through collective schemes, and alterations to how retirement funds interact with inheritance tax from April 2027.

State pension to increase by 4.8 per cent – April 2026

The state pension is set to increase by 4.8 per cent, which translates to an additional £574 annually for those receiving the full amount.

The weekly payment for those on the full new state pension is expected to reach £241.30 once the April increase takes effect.

Around 4.7 million pensioners, just over a third of all recipients, currently receive the new state pension, which applies to those who reached state pension age after April 2016.

The remaining 8.4 million pensioners receive the basic state pension, having qualified before that date.

The basic state pension, paid to those who reached state pension age before 6 April 2016, will rise by £439.40 next year, taking the annual amount to £9,614.80.

However, not everyone will receive the full headline increase, as payments depend on an individual’s National Insurance contribution record.

Individuals need 30 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions to receive the full old, or basic, state pension, and 35 years to qualify for the full new state pension. Those with fewer qualifying years receive a reduced amount.

The rise in the state pension next year means the full new state pension will come close to the personal tax allowance, which determines how much income can be earned before tax is due.

Experts have warned that ongoing freezes to tax thresholds could see the state pension exceed this level by 2027, potentially bringing some pensioners into the tax system for the first time.

However, the government confirmed in its Autumn Budget that retirees whose only source of income is the state pension will not be required to pay income tax on it during this parliament.

Financial expert Martin Lewis has highlighted concerning implications for future tax bills: "This will take someone on the full new State Pension to £12,535 a year, only £35 below the frozen personal allowance.

"So as State Pension income is taxable, that means without any question the following year (unless something changes), those on the full new State Pension with no other income will for the first time pay tax on it."

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State pension age rise – from April 2026

State Pension age is currently 66 years old for both men and women, but will gradually increase from next year.

The gradual rise from 66 to 67 is starting in April 2026, with the transition completing by 2028. Anyone born on or after 6 April 1960 will be affected by this change.

A subsequent increase pushing the retirement age from 67 to 68 is scheduled between 2044 and 2046, though ministers may accelerate this timeline.

People can check their individual state pension age using the calculator on the government’s website.

Pensions dashboards will become available – from October 2026

Meanwhile, the long-awaited pensions dashboards will finally become operational, allowing savers to view all their retirement pots through a single digital platform.

Rachel Vahey, head of public policy at AJ Bell, said: "Getting pensions dashboards up and running has been a long-held dream of the government and pensions industry. The dashboard will hopefully make a difference in giving people the confidence to face up to their pension planning and make decisions to secure a brighter financial future."

CDC pension schemes will open to savers – from late 2026

The government is also introducing collective defined contribution schemes, a new category of workplace pension designed to address concerns that millions of workers are failing to save adequately for retirement.

Pensions minister Torsten Bell said: "Collective pensions offer a better deal, one where risks are shared, returns are smoothed and retirement incomes are stronger and paid for life."

Inheritance tax on pensions begins in 2027 – but will affect planning in 2026

From April 2027, pension pots will fall within the scope of inheritance tax for the first time.

Stephen Lowe, director at retirement firm Just Group, said: "It's important that people who think their estate may be subject to inheritance tax have an up-to-date valuation of their estate, especially their property, so they understand whether they could be affected.

"Estate planning is complex, and taking professional financial advice can be immensely valuable for those wanting to manage their estate efficiently and pass on the maximum inheritance to loved ones."