State pensioners across the UK are set to receive monthly payments of £965 in August, as the government delivers on its triple lock commitment. The full state pension, which rose to £241.30 per week earlier this year, now equates to approximately £965 per month. This marks the first full month of Andy Burnham's premiership, with payments expected to land in bank accounts before September arrives.
Triple Lock Increase Confirmed
The increase follows a 4.8% rise in the state pension, announced by Pat McFadden, who has been reappointed as Secretary of State for Work and Pensions under Prime Minister Burnham. The rise is in line with the increase in average weekly earnings for the year to May-July 2025, as part of the triple lock mechanism that ensures pensions grow by the highest of inflation, earnings growth, or 2.5%.
Confirming the new rates at the end of last year, Mr McFadden said: “I am pleased to announce that the basic and new State Pensions will be increased by 4.8%, in line with the increase in average weekly earnings in the year to May-July 2025. This delivers on our commitment to the Triple Lock, increasing these rates in line with the highest of growth in prices, growth in earnings or 2.5%.”
Payment Details and Impact
From April, the full annual rate of the new State Pension increased by around £575, while the basic State Pension rose by approximately £440. The basic state pension, for those born before 1951 (men) and 1953 (women), remains considerably lower than the full or new state pension amount.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) clarified payment schedules: “You’ll be asked when you want to start getting your State Pension when you claim. Your first payment will be no later than 5 weeks after the date you choose. You’ll get a full payment every 4 weeks after that. You might get part of a payment before your first full payment. The letter confirming your State Pension payment will tell you what to expect.”
Payment Timing and National Insurance Numbers
The exact day of payment depends on the pensioner's National Insurance number, with payments potentially arriving earlier if the normal payment day falls on a bank holiday. This August, most pensioners can expect their payments before the end of the month, providing financial certainty as summer draws to a close.
This £965 monthly sum represents a significant boost for pensioners, reflecting the government's commitment to supporting older people through the triple lock. With Andy Burnham at the helm, the policy remains a cornerstone of the Labour administration's approach to social security.
As the new rates take effect, pensioners are advised to check their bank accounts regularly and contact the DWP if they have any queries about their individual payment schedules. The increase underscores the ongoing importance of the triple lock in safeguarding pensioner incomes against the rising cost of living.
