State pension rises by 4.8 percent in April 2026

The UK government raised the state pension by 4.8 percent from 6 April 2026, giving more than 12 million pensioners a higher weekly income. The full new state pension went up from £230.25 to £241.30 per week. The basic state pension rose from £176.45 to £184.90. The increase was set by average earnings growth, which was higher than inflation and the minimum rate of 2.5 percent. A rule called the triple lock, introduced in 2010, requires the government to raise the pension each April by whichever of these three measures is largest. Some pensioners will receive up to £575 more each year. The Office for Budget Responsibility has warned that the long-term cost of the triple lock will reach £15.5 billion per year by 2030.