Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (): I have concluded my statutory annual review of
State Pension and benefit rates under the Social Security
Administration Act 1992. The new rates will apply in the tax year
2026-27, with most increases coming into effect from 6 April
2026.
I am pleased to announce that the basic and new State Pensions
will be increased by 4.8%, in line with the increase in average
weekly earnings in the year to May-July 2025.
This delivers on our commitment to the Triple Lock, increasing
these rates in line with the highest of growth in prices, growth
in earnings or 2.5%. From April, the full annual rate of the new
State Pension will increase by around £575. The full annual rate
of the basic State Pension will increase by around £440.
The Standard Minimum Guarantee in Pension Credit will increase by
4.8% in line with the increase in average earnings. From April,
it will be £238.00 a week for a single pensioner and £363.25 a
week for a couple, ensuring the incomes of poorest pensioners are
protected.
Other State Pension and benefit rates covered by my statutory
review will be increased by 3.8%, in line with the increase in
the consumer prices index in the year to September 2025.
This includes most working-age benefits and other benefits for
people below State Pension age; benefits to help with additional
needs arising from disability; Statutory Payments including
Statutory Sick Pay and Statutory Maternity Pay; and Additional
State Pension. The Pension Credit Savings Credit maximum amount
will also increase by 3.8%.
The Universal Credit Act 2025 removed the standard allowance and
health elements of Universal Credit, as well as their Employment
and Support Allowance equivalents, from my review. The Act
provided increases to certain rates. For example, the Standard
Allowance for a single person aged 25 or over will increase by
around £295 a year. That's over £110 more than if up-rated by
inflation alone. For couples, where one member is aged 25 or
over, it will increase by around an additional £465 a year.
That's approximately £180 more than if up-rated by inflation
alone.
These increases will apply across Great Britain.
In England and Wales, Personal Independence Payment and other
benefits to help with additional needs arising from disability,
and the rate of Carer's Allowance, will also increase by 3.8%. In
Scotland, these are devolved matters.
All social security, including State Pensions, is a transferred
matter in Northern Ireland.
While not part of my formal up-rating review, I can confirm that
Local Housing Allowance rates and the benefit cap will be
maintained at their current levels and not increased for 2026-27.
I will place the full list of proposed State Pension and benefit
rates for 2026-27 in the Libraries of both Houses and on gov.uk
in due course.
