UK State Pension Rates Rise: £184.90 Old Pension, £241.30 New Pension Effective April 2026

The UK government announced increased state pension rates effective April 6, 2026. The old basic state pension will rise to £184.90 per week, up from £176.45, while the new state pension will increase to £241.30 per week, from £230.25. Eligibility remains unchanged: 35 qualifying National Insurance years for the full new pension, and at least 10 years for any payment. Couples receive payments individually, with combined weekly maximums of £352.90 for the old pension and £460.50 for the new. Surviving spouses may inherit benefits under the old system but not the new, introduced April 6, 2016. Individuals can check their forecast and address gaps via gov.uk.