The full new State Pension rose to £241.30 a week in April 2026 — up from £230.25. But millions of older adults in the UK are not claiming Pension Credit and other benefits they are fully entitled to. This guide explains what you should be receiving, how to check, and where to get free help.
How much is the State Pension in 2026?
From April 2026, the State Pension rates are:
- New State Pension (for people who reached State Pension age after April 2016): £241.30 per week — that is £12,548 a year
- Basic State Pension (for those who reached pension age before April 2016): £184.90 per week — that is £9,615 a year
These increases are driven by the triple lock, which guarantees the State Pension rises each April by whichever is highest: inflation, average earnings growth, or 2.5%. For 2026/27, earnings growth of 4.8% was the highest figure, so that is what was applied.
What is Pension Credit and do you qualify?
Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit that tops up your weekly income if it falls below a certain level. In 2026/27, it tops your income up to at least:
- £238.00 a week if you are single
- £363.25 a week if you have a partner
It is estimated that around 800,000 households in the UK who are eligible for Pension Credit are not currently claiming it. That is a significant amount of money going unclaimed — in some cases over £3,000 a year. Claiming Pension Credit also unlocks access to other benefits, including help with housing costs, Council Tax Reduction, a free TV licence if you are over 75, and help with NHS costs.
How do you check what you are entitled to?
The quickest way is to use the Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK (search “Pension Credit calculator”). It takes about five minutes and tells you immediately whether you are likely to qualify and by how much. You can also call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234 (free, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm) — they will check your eligibility and help you apply over the phone.
Age UK also runs a free benefits check service. Call their advice line on 0800 678 1602 (8am–7pm, 365 days a year) and ask for a benefits entitlement check. Many people are surprised by what they have been missing.
What other benefits should people over 55 be aware of?
- Attendance Allowance — if you have a disability or health condition that means you need help with personal care, you may qualify for £73.90 or £110.40 a week. It is not means-tested and does not depend on whether you currently have a carer.
- Council Tax Reduction — your local council may reduce your bill significantly based on income. Apply directly through your council’s website.
- Warm Home Discount — a one-off £150 discount on energy bills for eligible low-income households, applied automatically by energy suppliers each winter.
- Winter Fuel Payment — from 2026, this is means-tested and linked to Pension Credit eligibility. If you claim Pension Credit, you should receive it automatically.
What changed with the Pension Schemes Act 2026?
The Pension Schemes Act 2026 — which received Royal Assent earlier this year — introduces new rules requiring pension schemes to offer members a default retirement income option (known as a “guided retirement product”). This is designed to make it easier for people with workplace pensions to draw a regular income in retirement, rather than leaving them to navigate complex decisions alone. If you have a defined contribution workplace pension, ask your provider what their guided retirement product looks like and whether it suits your circumstances.
Key takeaway
The State Pension increase is welcome, but the bigger win for many people is claiming benefits they are already entitled to. If you have not had a benefits check recently, do one now — it costs nothing and could be worth thousands of pounds a year. Start with the Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK or call Age UK on 0800 678 1602.