Older state pensioners will be given up to £439 extra per year in 2026 after parliament approved a 4.8% increase from April.

MPs on Tuesday (February 10) approved a pensions motion that will see State Pension rates rise by 4.8% in the new tax year, confirming the government’s commitment to the triple lock. The triple lock is used to determine how much State Pension rates go up each tax year, with the increase based on whichever is highest out of three factors – the consumer price index (CPI) measure of inflation (measured for September in the previous year), average wage growth between May and July of the previous year, or 2.5%.

The 4.8% rise is in line with the annual increase in the average weekly earnings index for May to July 2025, and will give some pensioners hundreds of pounds extra per year.

The government has confirmed that, from April 6, the basic State Pension will rise from its current rate of £176.45 per week to £184.90 per week – a weekly increase of £8.45. It means pensioners getting the full rate will receive up to £439.40 extra per year under the new rates.

As for those getting the new State Pension, the weekly rate will rise from £230.25 to £241.30 from April 6 – a weekly increase of £11.05. This will give claimants who get the full amount an extra £575 annually.

The figures are based on the maximum possible amount for those with a full qualifying National Insurance record, so those without enough qualifying years will receive less.

Alongside the State Pension increase, MPs also backed proposals to increase other inflation-linked benefits and tax credits by 3.8% from April.

The Universal Credit standard allowances will also get an additional uplift of 2.3% after the Commons passed a social security motion on Tuesday.

Work and Pensions minister Sir Stephen Timms told the Commons this week: “Changes will mainly come into effect from 6 April this year and apply for the tax year 2026-27. 

“The order maintains the triple lock – which benefits pensioners in receipt of both the basic and new State Pensions – raises the level of the safety net in pension credit beyond the increase in prices, increases the rates of benefit for those in the labour market, and increases the rates of carers benefits and benefits to help with additional costs arising from disability or health impairment.”