Older pensioners can now receive up to £415.44 weekly after DWP raises rates
Older state pensioners who claim both the basic state pension and the Additional Pension can receive as much as £415.44 a week for 2026-27 following recent DWP increases.
In April, the Department for Work and Pensions, backed by the Treasury, increased the ceiling for the Additional Pension to £230.54 per one outlet, up from £222.10. At the same time, the basic state pension for older claimants rose from £176.45 to £184.90. When both components are maximised, a pre-2016 retiree with a full National Insurance record can now collect up to £415.44 each week in 2026-27.
This amount exceeds the standard new state pension, which tops out at £241.30 weekly. The uplift applies to legacy schemes like the State Earnings Related Pension Scheme and the Second State Pension, which remain payable to those who participated before the 2016 reform. Consumer magazine Which? notes that the additional pension amount varies with years of contributions, earnings and any contract-out status. The higher payments aim to improve retirement income for older pensioners.
Why it matters
It raises retirement income for many older Britons, narrowing the gap with newer pensioners.
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