If you’ve seen headlines about a “£227 State Pension in 2025”, here’s the simple truth: the full new State Pension in 2025/26 is £230.25 per week, not £227.
The £227.10 figure most people quote actually refers to the Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit) minimum income for a single person, which is a separate, means-tested top-up for low incomes.
Below, we break down the DWP rates for 2025/26, who qualifies, how the triple lock changed amounts this year, and when you’ll be paid.
2025/26 State Pension at a glance (from 6 April 2025)
| Item | Weekly rate | Who it applies to |
|---|---|---|
| New State Pension (full rate) | £230.25 | People reaching State Pension age on/after 6 Apr 2016 (with 35 qualifying years for the full amount; 10 years minimum for any amount) |
| Basic (old) State Pension – full | £176.45 | Those who reached SPA before 6 Apr 2016 (old rules) |
| Pension Credit – Guarantee Credit (single) | £227.10 | Means-tested top-up to bring a single pensioner’s weekly income to at least this level |
| Pension Credit – Guarantee Credit (couple) | £346.60 | Means-tested top-up for couples (joint income floor) |
Key point: £227.10 is Pension Credit, not the State Pension. The State Pension full rate is £230.25/week in 2025/26.
Why did rates change in April 2025?
For 2025/26, the triple lock delivered a 4.1% uprating, lifting the new State Pension from £221.20 to £230.25 per week, and the basic State Pension from £169.50 to £176.45.
Who gets how much? (eligibility basics)
- New State Pension (post-2016): You normally need 35 qualifying years of National Insurance (NI) contributions/credits for the full amount, and at least 10 qualifying years to get anything. If you were contracted out before 2016, your starting amount could be lower and you might need more than 35 years to reach the full rate. NI credits (for caring, illness, unemployment) can help fill gaps.
- Basic State Pension (pre-2016): Your amount depends on the older rules (different qualifying-year thresholds) and whether you built Additional State Pension.
- Pension Credit: If your weekly income is below £227.10 (single) or £346.60 (couple), Guarantee Credit can top it up. It’s means-tested and can unlock other help (like NHS costs, council tax support, free TV licence over 75 in some cases).
How and when the DWP pays you
- Frequency: Your State Pension is typically paid every 4 weeks, in arrears, into your bank, building society or credit union account.
- Your weekday of payment depends on the last two digits of your NI number:
00–19 Mon, 20–39 Tue, 40–59 Wed, 60–79 Thu, 80–99 Fri. Bank holidays may shift payments earlier.
Smart ways to boost your pension income
- Fill NI gaps: If you’re short of qualifying years, explore voluntary NI contributions (usually you can backfill up to six tax years) after checking your State Pension forecast and NI record.
- Defer your claim: Putting off claiming can add roughly 1% for every 5 weeks you defer (~10.4% a year). This isn’t right for everyone—consider tax, health, and break-even age.
- Check Pension Credit: Even small awards can trigger extra support. Many eligible pensioners don’t claim it. If your income is near £227.10/£346.60, check your entitlement.
Common misconceptions (cleared up)
- “Everyone gets £227 a week in 2025” → False. The full new State Pension is £230.25. £227.10 is the Pension Credit minimum for a single person.
- “You can’t claim if you have savings” → False for State Pension (it isn’t means-tested). For Pension Credit, savings/income do matter—but many homeowners still qualify.
- “It pays monthly” → Mostly false. It’s every 4 weeks (some exceptions abroad).
Quick checklist for 2025/26
- Know your rate: £230.25/week (new), £176.45/week (basic).
- Know your day: Based on NI number (Mon–Fri bands).
- Short of years? Check your forecast and consider voluntary NI before paying.
- Low income? Test Pension Credit eligibility (£227.10/£346.60 floors).
For 2025/26, the DWP pays a full new State Pension of £230.25 per week, uprated by the triple lock.
The often-quoted £227 number is the Pension Credit Guarantee Credit level for a single person—an important top-up but not the same as the State Pension.
To get the most from retirement income, check your NI record, understand how deferring and voluntary NI may help, and review whether Pension Credit could boost your weekly budget.
Staying on top of these details ensures you don’t leave money on the table in 2025.
FAQs
No. The full new State Pension is £230.25/week. £227.10/week is the Pension Credit income floor for a single pensioner (a separate, means-tested top-up).