DWP £230.25 per week from April 2025: From April 2025, millions of pensioners in the UK will see an increase in their state pension payments. This rise follows the government’s triple lock guarantee, ensuring that pensions increase annually based on inflation, wage growth, or a minimum of 2.5%, whichever is highest. For this year, the increase is based on wage growth of 4.1%, leading to a boost of up to £474 per year for some pensioners.
If you’re wondering how much more you will receive, whether you qualify, or how National Insurance contributions affect your payments, this guide will break it all down.
How Much Will the State Pension Increase?
The state pension will rise by 4.1% from April 7, 2025. Here’s how it affects different pension categories:
New State Pension (For those who reached state pension age after April 6, 2016)
- Current rate: £221.20 per week (£11,502.40 per year)
- New rate from April 2025: £230.25 per week (£11,973 per year)
- Annual increase: £470.60
Basic State Pension (For those who reached state pension age before April 6, 2016)
- Current rate: £169.48 per week (£8,812.96 per year)
- New rate from April 2025: £176.45 per week (£9,175.61 per year)
- Annual increase: £362.65
Who Is Eligible for the New State Pension?
You will qualify for the new state pension if:
- You are a man born on or after April 6, 1951
- You are a woman born on or after April 6, 1953
To receive the full amount, you need at least 35 years of National Insurance contributions. If you have at least 10 qualifying years, you will get some pension, but the amount will be lower.
Who Gets the Basic State Pension?
The basic state pension applies to:
- Men born before April 6, 1951
- Women born before April 6, 1953
The number of qualifying years required depends on when you were born:
For men:
- Born between 1945 and 1951 → Need 30 qualifying years
- Born before 1945 → Need 44 qualifying years
- To get any pension at all: 1 year (born between 1945-1951), 11 years (born before 1945)
For women:
- Born between 1950 and 1953 → Need 30 qualifying years
- Born before 1950 → Need 39 qualifying years
- To get any pension at all: 1 year (born between 1950-1953), 10 years (born before 1950)
How Many People Claim the State Pension?
As of August 2024, the number of people receiving the state pension in the UK has reached 13 million. This is an increase of 203,000 pensioners compared to the previous year.
The state pension increase from April 2025 is a welcome boost for many pensioners in the UK, helping them manage the rising cost of living. However, the amount you receive depends on your National Insurance contributions and whether you qualify for the basic or new state pension. If you’re unsure about your pension entitlement, it’s a good idea to check your National Insurance record and plan accordingly. With 13 million people relying on state pensions, staying informed about these changes is crucial for financial stability in retirement.
FAQ
When will the UK state pension increase take effect?
The state pension will increase from April 7, 2025, following the government’s triple lock system.
How much will my state pension increase in 2025?
The new state pension will rise by £470.60 per year, while the basic state pension will increase by £362.65 per year.
Who qualifies for the new state pension?
Men born on or after April 6, 1951, and women born on or after April 6, 1953, qualify for the new state pension.
How many years of National Insurance do I need for a full pension?
You need 35 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions for the full new state pension and at least 10 years to receive any amount.
What if I don’t have enough National Insurance contributions?
You may be able to buy voluntary National Insurance contributions to increase your pension amount. Check your record on the UK Government website.
How can I check my state pension forecast?
You can check your state pension forecast on the UK Government website or contact the Pension Service for more details.