The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to issue critical correspondence to millions of State Pension-age individuals. These annual letters inform recipients about the changes in the amount of their State Pension or other benefits following the yearly April increment.
Every person aged over 66 should expect to receive this update. From April 2025, New State Pension payments will rise by 4.1 per cent, increasing the full rate from £221.20 per week to £230.25. Over a full year, this amounts to an additional £470, bringing the total annual pension to £11,973 for those receiving the full rate.
This is £2,797.60 more per year than the full basic State Pension. Pensioners are set to receive a payment increase next month, providing a boost to their income. The state pension increases every year on April 6, aligning with the start of the new tax year.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) sends letters to pensioners before their state pension increases. These letters are typically sent in March and arrive before the increase takes effect. It’s important to read the letter to ensure the correct amount is received.
Why are pensioners sent letters?
- To inform pensioners how much their state pension entitlements are increasing
- To help pensioners claim pension credit, which can top up a pensioner’s income
When are state pensions increased?
- State pensions increase in line with the triple lock system
- The state pension increases by 1% for every 9 weeks that claiming is deferred, or around 5.8% for each full year
How can I check my state pension forecast?
- You can use the Check your State Pension forecast service on GOV.UK
- You can also use the HMRC app to check your State Pension forecast
What should I do if I’m unsure about my state pension?
You can contact your pension scheme or provider for more information.
State Pension Changes April 2025
| £ Rates 2024/25 | £ Rates 2025/26 | |
|---|---|---|
| New State Pension | ||
| Full rate | 221.20 | 230.25 |
| Transitional rate below full rate | 8.5112% | 4.0913% |
| Protected Payment | 6.70% | 1.70% |
| Increments – own (based on deferred new State Pension) | 6.70% | 1.70% |
| Increments – inherited (based on deferred old State Pension) | 6.70% | 1.70% |
| Old State Pension | ||
| Category A or B basic pension | 169.50 | 176.45 |
| Category B (lower) basic pension – spouse or civil partner’s insurance | 101.55 | 105.70 |
| Category C or D – non-contributory | 101.55 | 105.70 |
| Additional pension | 6.70% | 1.70% |
| Maximum additional pension (own + inherited) | 218.39 | 222.10 |
| Increments to:- | ||
| Basic pension | 6.70% | 1.70% |
| Additional pension | 6.70% | 1.70% |
| Graduated Retirement Benefit (GRB) | 6.70% | 1.70% |
| Inheritable lump sum | 6.70% | 1.70% |
| Contracted-out Deduction from AP in respect of pre-April 1988 contracted-out earnings | Nil | Nil |
| Contracted-out Deduction from AP in respect of contracted-out earnings from April 1988 to 1997 | 3.00% | 1.70% |
| Graduated Retirement Benefit (unit) | 0.1753 | 0.1783 |
| Increase of long term incapacity for age | 6.70% | 1.70% |
| Addition at age 80 | 0.25 | 0.25 |
| Increase of Long-term incapacity for age | ||
| Higher rate | 28.40 | 28.90 |
| Lower rate | 14.20 | 14.45 |
| Invalidity Allowance (Transitional) for State Pension recipients | ||
| Higher rate | 28.40 | 28.90 |
| Middle rate | 18.20 | 18.50 |
| Lower rate | 9.10 | 9.25 |