The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that state pensioners born before 1953 are receiving an additional £34 per month following a 4.8% increase to basic state pension payments that took effect in April. The uplift raised weekly payments from £176.45 to £184.90, an £8.45 weekly rise.
Who qualifies for the basic state pension increase
The basic State Pension is a regular government payment received weekly by those who have reached State Pension age. The amount depends on National Insurance contributions and credits, and it is not paid automatically; eligible individuals must make a claim upon reaching State Pension age.
Everyone eligible for the basic State Pension has now reached State Pension age. To qualify, you need sufficient National Insurance qualifying years. You must also be either a man born before 6 April 1951 or a woman born before 6 April 1953. Those born on or after these dates will claim the new State Pension instead.
National Insurance qualifying years explained
A National Insurance qualifying year is one in which you worked and paid National Insurance, received National Insurance Credits (for example, while unemployed, sick, or as a parent or carer), or paid voluntary National Insurance contributions.
The number of qualifying years needed to receive any basic State Pension varies by circumstances. For men, one qualifying year is usually required if born between 1945 and 1951, while 11 qualifying years are needed if born before 1945. For women, one qualifying year is typically required if born between 1950 and 1953, and 10 qualifying years if born before 1950.
Checking eligibility and payment amounts
You might still be eligible with fewer qualifying years. To check, contact the Pension Service or the International Pension Centre if you live abroad. The number of qualifying years of National Insurance contributions you have directly affects the amount of State Pension you will receive.
