The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced it will be sending a crucial letter to millions of retirees across the UK. The communication is set to reach everyone claiming the State Pension, Pension Credit, or Attendance Allowance.
Details of the April 2026 Payment Increases
The letters will formally notify recipients of the upcoming annual benefits uprating, which takes effect from April 2026. The central announcement is a 4.8% increase in both the basic and new State Pension.
This means the full weekly rate for the new State Pension, for those who reached pension age on or after 6 April 2016, will rise to £241.30. This is an increase from the 2025/26 rate of £230.25.
For those on the basic State Pension, the core weekly amount will increase to £184.90, up from £176.45.
Rises for Additional Support and Eligibility Reminder
Other key benefits for older people are also set to rise. Pension Credit, a vital top-up for those on a low income, will see its standard weekly amount increase to £238 for single people and £363 for couples.
Furthermore, inflation-linked benefits and tax credits will rise by 3.8%, as confirmed by the Labour Party government. This measure is based on the inflation rate in the year to September, which is the standard benchmark used.
The DWP is using the opportunity to remind pensioners that many do not claim all the financial support they are entitled to. This can be due to a lack of awareness about eligibility, which often depends on having a low income, limited savings, or health conditions that make daily life more difficult.
Why the Letters Are Being Sent and What to Do
The government is legally required to review benefit levels each year to ensure they keep pace with the cost of living. Sending advance notice of the increase is a standard practice.
If you receive a letter from the DWP, it is important to read it carefully. It confirms the exact new payment amounts you will receive from April 2026. For those not currently claiming support like Pension Credit or Attendance Allowance, this serves as a prompt to check eligibility, as these benefits can provide significant additional financial assistance.
