State pensioners in the UK can expect their pension to boost in 2026 by £538 under the triple lock system. The DWP has confirmed the state pension boost, so if you are a state pensioner, find out your increased payment and other details here.
DWP Confirms £538 State Pension Boost
The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed the triple lock for the state pension rise in 2026. The average wage data for the May-July 2024 period was revealed a week ago this month and confirmed the 4.7% increase in the average earnings.
The Office for National Statistics releases the average earnings growth data, and if it is higher than the inflation and 2.5%, it will be used in the triple lock. The triple lock system in the UK increases the state pension every year, based on whichever is the highest:
- Average wage growth
- CPI Inflation
- 2.5% minimum.
With the average wage growth data release and triple lock guarantee for the state pension, the analyst forecast that the state pension would be increased by 4.5% in 2026, which means you can expect your state pension to be increased by £538. The DWP is yet to make the official announcement for the state pension increase.
What will be your increased state pension amount after the boost?
The triple lock is guaranteed for the state pension boost next year by the DWP. The state pension increased rate and amount will be known only after the September inflation figures are released.
However, based on the average earnings, many analysts expect the triple lock increase to be triggered by the wage growth and expect it to boost by £538. So, with the expected state pension prediction, the pensioners can expect their state pension to be increased to the following amount:
- The current rate of the new state pension is £230.25 a week, £11,973 annually, and with a 4.5% increase, it can increase to £12,500.
- The current basic state pension is £176.45 a week, £9,180.40 annually, so with a 4.5% increase, it would be around £9200 annually.
What’s the tax concern over the state pension?
With the state pension forecast and triple lock confirmation, many pensioners and experts are concerned about being liable to pay taxes. The triple lock increase to the state pension is bringing the state pension closer to the personal allowance, £12,570.
The boost to the state pension can bring some pensioners to pay taxes if they have any other taxable income, such as rental income, workplace pensions, or other income. If the tax threshold remains the same, it will create a problem for the pensioner.
So, while the state pension boost looks great, it also raises concerns that it might push some pensioners for the first time to pay taxes. Apart from the tax pressure on the pensioners, the UK Treasury will also be affected as the Office of Budget Responsibility says the triple lock will cost three times higher in the next 10 years.
What state pension will you receive – Basic or new pension?
If you are wondering which state pension you would get – basic or new pension, you can find out about it below:
- Basic State Pension:
- You were born before 06 April 1951 (for men) or 06 April 1953 (for women)
- You have enough National Insurance qualifying years when you paid the National Insurance while working.
| Born year | Qualifying years |
| Man between 1945 and 1951 | 01 |
| A man born before 1945 | 11 |
| Women born between 1950 and 1953 | 01 |
| Women born before 1950 | 11 |
- New State Pension:
- You were born on or after 06 April 1951 (for men), and 06 April 1953 (for women)
- You must have 10 qualifying years on National Insurance to receive the New pension.
In the UK, more than 12 million people receive the state pension, and now, with the rise in the state pension under the triple lock system, pensioners will expect new payments from April 2026.
The DWP will generally announce the April 2026 state pension boost in October or November 2025, as the September inflation report is yet to be out. So pensioners, stay vigilant and stay tuned to get the official confirmation on the state pension boost from DWP and your increased payment.
Disclaimer: The £538 pension boost is reported for informational purposes; official confirmation and eligibility rules are set by the DWP.