Every pensioner will receive a letter from the DWP before end of March about payment increases and Pension Credit eligibility worth an average of £4,300Linda Howard Money and Consumer Writer and Lucy John
11:13, 03 Mar 2026Updated 11:26, 03 Mar 2026
Annual uprating letters will be sent out to nearly 13 million pensioners before the new payment rates start on April 6(Image: Getty )
Recent data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reveals that 13 million people are claiming the State Pension. Of these 4.1 million receive the New State Pension (introduced post-April 2016) while 8.8 million are on the Basic (or old) State Pension (pre-April 2016).
The annual increase will see those entitled to the full New State Pension receive £241.30 weekly, while those on the maximum Basic State Pension are due to receive £184.90 weekly. Meanwhile, supplementary elements alongside working age and disability benefits will rise by 3.8% in line with the September Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation figure.
Every pensioner will be sent a letter from the DWP ahead of the payment increase on April 6, typically arriving before the end of March, reports the Daily Record.
New State Pension payment rates 2026/27
Full New State Pension
Weekly: £241.30 (from £230.25)Four-weekly pay period: £965.20Annual amount: £12,547
Full Basic State Pension
Weekly: £184.90 (from £176.45)Four-weekly pay period: £739.60Annual amount: £9,614
It’s vital for everyone receiving the correspondence to read it thoroughly to verify the amount they’ll receive is accurate. It’s equally important they don’t overlook a significant section of the letter which could enhance annual income by £4,300 on average. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here
Annually, the DWP incorporates details about claiming Pension Credit alongside the uprating to ensure every pensioner directly receives guidance on the means-tested benefit, encouraging them to verify their eligibility. It’s vital for all older individuals – whether single, married or cohabiting – to ensure they’re claiming all the additional financial assistance they’re entitled to in 2026 to help increase their income and counter the continuing effects of the elevated cost of living.
Pension Credit remains the most under-claimed benefit and is designed specifically to provide extra financial help for older people on a low income – both singles and couples. Nearly 1.4 million older people throughout Great Britain, including more than 125,000 residing in Scotland, are presently receiving the means-tested benefit that could deliver an average of £4,300 in additional support during the forthcoming months.
Some older individuals assume that because they have savings or own their property they wouldn’t qualify for the means-tested benefit, which can also grant access to assistance with housing expenses, heating bills and Council Tax. An award of just £1 per week is sufficient to unlock other support.