DWP Confirms £605 Annual State Pension Increase : Who Gets It and How to Claim

DWP State Pension Increase : Amid rising living costs, the Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed a £605 yearly rise in payments for qualifying pensioners. This article provides a full breakdown of eligibility, key dates, and claim procedures.

Everything You Need to Know About the £605 State Pension Increase

The UK government has confirmed a £605 annual boost to the State Pension for eligible retirees, offering crucial financial support amid ongoing cost of living pressures. This increase, part of the Triple Lock system, will be included in regular payments throughout the 2025/26 financial year — not as a one-off lump sum.

What Is the Triple Lock and Why It Matters

The Triple Lock guarantees that the State Pension rises each year by whichever is highest among:

• Inflation (Consumer Price Index)

• Average earnings growth

• A minimum of 2.5%

For the 2025/26 tax year, pensions will rise by 4.1%, based on July 2024’s average earnings growth. For those receiving the full New State Pension, this means an additional £605 per year.

Also read : DWP State Pension age will increase for individuals born between 1961 and 1977

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Who Qualifies for the £605 Increase?

To receive the full £605 extra payment, you must meet the following criteria:

Note: Those on the Basic State Pension (pre-2016) will receive a smaller proportional increase.

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Updated Payment Amounts from April 2025

Here’s how the 4.1% increase breaks down:

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When Will You Receive the Increased Payment?

State Pension is paid every four weeks. Payment days depend on the last two digits of your National Insurance number:

If your payment date falls on a bank holiday, it will typically be issued on the last working day before.

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How to Claim the Increased Pension

Already Receiving State Pension?

No action is needed. The 4.1% increase will be automatically applied to your payments starting April 2025.

Not Yet Claimed Your Pension?

You’ll need to actively apply — it won’t start automatically. You can:

• Apply online via the official GOV.UK Claim State Pension portal

• Call the Pension Service: 0800 731 7898

• Request a claim form by post if you can’t apply online or by phone

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Additional Support for Low-Income Pensioners

If you’re on a low income, you may also qualify for Pension Credit, which can top up your weekly income to:

• £227.10 (single pensioners)

• £346.60 (couples)

Pension Credit also unlocks access to other benefits:

• Council Tax reductions

• Free TV licence (over 75s)

• Cold Weather Payments

• Warm Home Discount

• Help with NHS costs

Check your eligibility with the Pension Credit calculator.

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 What’s Next for the State Pension?

• The State Pension age is increasing from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028

• A further rise to age 68 is planned between 2044 and 2046

• Debates continue around the future of the Triple Lock due to long-term sustainability concerns

You can check your projected pension age and amount using the State Pension forecast tool.

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Tips to Maximise Your Retirement Income

To ensure financial stability in retirement, consider:

• Reviewing your workplace and private pensions

• Filling gaps in your National Insurance record

• Exploring other benefits or credits you may be eligible for

• Seeking regulated financial advice for long-term planning

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 Conclusion

The confirmed £605 annual State Pension increase offers a significant financial lift for retirees and demonstrates the government’s continued backing of the Triple Lock system. With further changes on the horizon, staying informed and planning ahead is key to a secure and comfortable retirement.

For the latest updates on pensions, benefits, and eligibility, visit the official GOV.UK State Pension page.