How much is the full new State Pension in 2026/27?

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Full New State Pension 2026/27 From April 2026 the full new State Pension is GBP 241.30 per week, equivalent to GBP 12,548.60 per year (52 weeks x GBP 241.30). This figure is set under the triple lock guarantee -- the annual uprating applies whichever is highest: earnings growth, CPI inflation, or 2.5%. Who Gets This Amount? To receive the full amount you must have: - Reached State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016 (men born after 6 April 1951; women born after 6 April 1953) - Accumulated at least 35 qualifying National Insurance (NI) years A qualifying year is one in which you paid or were credited with NI contributions -- through employment, self-employment, or receiving credits (e.g., while claiming Child Benefit, Carer's Allowance, or during periods of unemployment). Partial Entitlement If you have between 10 and 34 qualifying years, you receive a proportional amount. With fewer than 10 qualifying years, you receive nothing from the new State Pension (though transitional arrangements may apply for some individuals). State Pension Age The current State Pension age is 66 for both men and women. It is legislated to rise to 67 between 2026 and 2028, and to 68 from the mid-2040s (though the precise date remains under review). Tax Treatment The State Pension is taxable income. In 2026/27, the personal allowance is GBP 12,570. The full new State Pension of GBP 12,548 sits just below this threshold, so a pensioner with no other income pays no income tax. However, any additional pension income, savings interest, or rental income will push the total above the personal allowance and attract 20% basic rate tax on the excess. Payment Arrangements The State Pension is paid every four weeks (or weekly for some older recipients) directly into a bank account. Payments begin when you claim -- they are not paid automatically. You should receive a letter from DWP around four months before your State Pension age inviting you to claim. You can also defer the pension to increase your eventual weekly amount. Checking Your NI Record You can check your State Pension forecast and NI record via the Check Your State Pension service on gov.uk. Gaps in your NI record can often be filled by paying voluntary Class 3 NI contributions -- the current rate is GBP 956.80 per year (2026/27) for each additional qualifying year.

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