The UK state pension is set to increase in April 2025, with some key elements rising by 4.1%, while others will only see a 1.7% uplift. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the changes, including how much extra pensioners will receive and when they can expect to see the increased payments.
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When Will the New State Pension Rates Be Paid?
The annual state pension increase takes effect from Monday, April 7, 2025. However, most pensioners will not see the rise immediately, as payments are made four weeks in arrears. The date pensioners will receive the new rates depends on their individual payment schedule.
The Triple Lock Increase: What It Means for Your Pension
The state pension is protected by the government’s ‘triple lock’ system, which guarantees that payments rise each year by the highest of:
- Inflation (Consumer Price Index – CPI)
- Average earnings growth
- 2.5%
For April 2025, earnings growth was the highest factor, meaning the state pension will increase by 4.1%.
However, not all elements of the state pension are covered by the triple lock. Some will only rise in line with CPI inflation, which was 1.7% for the relevant period.
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New State Pension: How Much Will You Receive?
The full rate of the new state pension, which applies to those who reached pension age after April 2016, will rise by 4.1%:
- Previous rate: £221.20 per week
- New rate (from April 2025): £230.25 per week
- Annual increase: £470, taking the total to around £11,970 per year
To receive the full new state pension, individuals must have 35 years of National Insurance contributions or credits. A minimum of 10 qualifying years is required to receive any state pension at all.
Basic State Pension Increase
For those who reached state pension age before April 2016, the basic state pension will also increase by 4.1%:
- Previous rate: £169.50 per week
- New rate: £176.45 per week
- Annual increase: Around £360
Many recipients of the basic state pension also receive additional state pension elements, such as the State Second Pension (S2P) or SERPS, which will increase by 1.7%.
Other State Pension Elements and Their 2025 Increases
Additional, SERPS, or State Second Pension (S2P)
- Will rise by 1.7% in line with CPI inflation.
Protected Payment (for those with pre-2016 pension rights exceeding the flat rate)
- Will increase by 1.7%.
Deferred State Pension Increase
- If you delayed claiming your state pension, the extra amount accrued will rise by 1.7%.
Inherited State Pension
- If a widowed spouse or civil partner has inherited part of their deceased partner’s state pension, the increase depends on the type:
- Inherited additional pension (S2P, SERPS) will rise by 1.7%.
- Inherited basic state pension will rise by 4.1%.
Married Women’s Pension (Category B)
- Spouses (usually women) who receive a pension based on their partner’s National Insurance contributions will see an increase from £101.55 to £105.70 per week (4.1%).
Over-80s State Pension (Category D)
- Will rise by 4.1% from £101.55 to £105.70 per week.
- The over-80s pension top-up remains frozen at 25p per week.
Graduated Retirement Benefit (GRB)
- Affected pensioners who contributed between 1961 and 1975 will see a 1.7% rise.
Christmas Bonus
- Remains frozen at £10 for another year.
What About Pension Credit?
Pension Credit, which supports low-income pensioners, will also increase:
- Single person: Rises from £218.15 to £227.10 per week
- Couple: Rises from £332.95 to £346.60 per week
- Additional Severe Disability Amount: Rises from £81.50 to £82.90 per week
- Carer’s Premium: Rises from £45.60 to £46.40 per week
Pension Credit can also act as a ‘gateway’ benefit, allowing recipients to qualify for other financial support, such as council tax reductions and free TV licences for over-75s.
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Conclusion: How Much More Will You Get?
Most pensioners will receive an increase of 4.1% on their core state pension payments. However, additional elements, such as SERPS and protected payments, will only rise by 1.7%.
With these changes, the government aims to support pensioners amid rising living costs. If you are unsure about your exact entitlement, check your state pension forecast online or contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
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