The UK government has announced a surprise boost to the State Pension — and it’s good news for millions of retirees. Starting April 7, 2025, pensioners will see an increase of £230 per year, thanks to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Here’s a complete, easy-to-understand breakdown of who qualifies, how much you’ll get, how to check your entitlement, and what else you can do to maximize your pension income.
What’s the £230 Payment All About?
This £230 increase is part of the annual rise in the State Pension, triggered by the government’s Triple Lock system. While the headline amount is £230 extra per year, it’s part of a 4.1% overall increase in pension payments.
Here’s what’s changing:
| Type of Pension | Current Weekly Rate | New Weekly Rate (from April 7, 2025) | Annual Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full New State Pension | £221.20 | £230.25 | £470.60 |
| Basic (Old) State Pension | £169.50 | £176.45 | £361.90 |
Note: The £230 figure refers to the average increase and may vary depending on your National Insurance (NI) contributions.
What Is the Triple Lock?
The Triple Lock is a government policy that protects pensions from losing value. It ensures that State Pension increases each year by the highest of the following:
- Average earnings growth
- Inflation (Consumer Prices Index)
- 2.5%
For 2025–26, the average earnings growth of 4.1% was the highest — so pensions are rising by that amount.
Who Qualifies for the £230 Increase?
To receive the boosted payment, you must:
- Be receiving the State Pension as of April 7, 2025
- Have reached State Pension age (currently 66 for both men and women)
- Have paid enough National Insurance contributions (35 years for the full new pension, fewer years = partial amount)
Even if you don’t have a full record, you may still qualify for a partial increase.
How to Check If You Qualify
There are two easy ways to check your pension entitlement:
Online:
- Visit the Check Your State Pension Forecast page on GOV.UK
- Log in using your Government Gateway account
- View your forecast and contribution history
By Post:
- Download and fill out the BR19 form on GOV.UK
- Mail it to the address provided on the form
- Wait for your personalized State Pension report
How to Increase Your State Pension
If your record shows gaps or a lower amount than expected, you still have options:
Pay Voluntary National Insurance Contributions
If you’ve missed some years, you can buy back NI contributions to boost your total and possibly reach the full pension.
Defer Your Pension
You can delay claiming your pension to earn a higher amount later.
For every 9 weeks you defer, your pension increases by about 1% — that’s roughly 5.8% more for every full year you wait.
Apply for Pension Credit
If your income is low, you might qualify for Pension Credit, which can top up your weekly income and open access to other benefits like free NHS dental care, help with energy bills, and more.
When Will You Receive the Payment?
The increase kicks in from April 7, 2025, and follows the normal pension payment schedule based on your National Insurance number:
| Last 2 Digits of NI Number | Payment Day |
|---|---|
| 00 to 19 | Monday |
| 20 to 39 | Tuesday |
| 40 to 59 | Wednesday |
| 60 to 79 | Thursday |
| 80 to 99 | Friday |
Payments are made every four weeks directly into your chosen bank account.
Other Support You Might Qualify For
Pension Credit
Thousands of pensioners miss out on extra support simply because they haven’t applied.
Check your eligibility for:
- Guarantee Credit (tops up your income to a minimum level)
- Savings Credit (extra for people who saved modestly for retirement)
How to Apply:
Apply online at GOV.UK – Pension Credit or call 0800 99 1234 for help.
FAQs
Q: Who is getting the £230 increase?
All current State Pension recipients will see an increase from April 7, 2025. Exact amounts vary.
Q: Is this a one-time payment or ongoing?
It’s an annual increase that reflects the updated weekly pension amount, not a one-time lump sum.
Q: Do I need to apply to receive the increased amount?
No. If you’re already receiving the State Pension, the increase will be applied automatically.
Q: What if I haven’t yet claimed my pension?
You’ll get the increased rate when you do claim, as long as it’s after April 7, 2025.
Q: Can I get both the State Pension and Pension Credit?
Yes — especially if your income is low. Pension Credit can top up your weekly income and unlock extra help.
