State pension 2026/27: how much you get and who qualifies

The state pension rose in April 2026 under the triple lock, which increases it each year by the highest of earnings growth, inflation or 2.5%. For many retirees, the state pension is the foundation of their income, so knowing how much you will get and how to qualify matters. This guide explains the UK state pension for 2026/27, how many qualifying years you need, the next rise, state pension age and how to boost your entitlement.

How much is the state pension in 2026/27?

The full new state pension, for people who reached state pension age on or after 6 April 2016, is £241.30 a week, or £12,547.60 a year. The full basic state pension, for people who reached state pension age before then, is £184.90 a week, or £9,614 a year. People on the older scheme may also receive additional state pension built up before 2016.

Not everyone gets the full amount. Your payment depends on your National Insurance record, and some people receive more or less because of contracting out of the old additional state pension.

Qualifying years for the state pension

You usually need 35 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions or credits to get the full new state pension. You need at least 10 qualifying years to get any new state pension at all. If you have between 10 and 35 years, you receive a proportion of the full amount.

You build qualifying years by working and paying National Insurance, or by receiving National Insurance credits. Credits are available, for example, if you claim Child Benefit for a child under 12, care for someone for at least 20 hours a week, or receive certain benefits while unable to work. Registering for Child Benefit even if you do not take the payment can protect your record.

Filling gaps in your National Insurance record

Gaps in your record can sometimes be filled by paying voluntary National Insurance contributions. Before paying, check your National Insurance record and state pension forecast on GOV.UK, which shows how many years you have and whether extra years would increase your pension. Paying for a year that does not raise your pension would waste money, so always check first.

The next state pension rise

The government has said the new state pension will rise by 3.9% in April 2027, to £250.70 a week, or £13,036.40 a year. The basic state pension will rise by the same percentage.

State pension age

State pension age is 66 for men and women. Between 2026 and 2028 it rises to 67 for people born on or after 6 April 1960, and it is due to rise to 68 between 2044 and 2046. You do not receive the state pension automatically; you need to claim it, and you should receive an invitation letter a few months before you reach state pension age.

You can also defer your state pension. If you put off claiming, your weekly amount increases for every week you defer, which can suit people who are still working.

Is the state pension enough to live on?

The full new state pension of £12,547.60 a year is just below the £12,570 personal allowance, so on its own it is not taxed. With the April 2027 rise, it will exceed the frozen allowance, so people with only the state pension may face a small tax liability. Either way, it is a modest income. Workplace and personal pensions make up the difference; see our guides to workplace pensions and SIPPs. People on low incomes in retirement should check whether they qualify for Pension Credit, which can also unlock other help.

See how pension contributions affect your pay with our UK take-home pay calculator.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the full new state pension in 2026/27?

£241.30 a week, or £12,547.60 a year.

How many years do I need for the full state pension?

Usually 35 qualifying years, with at least 10 needed for any new state pension.

What is the state pension age?

66, rising to 67 between 2026 and 2028.

Sources

• Which?: how much the state pension pays
• GOV.UK: the new state pension