DWP Pension Rates 2025-26: The UK Government has officially announced the DWP Pension Rates 2025-26, bringing in revised payment amounts for both new and existing state pensioners. These updates reflect the government’s continued use of the Triple Lock system, which ensures pensions increase each year in line with inflation, average earnings, or by 2.5%—whichever is highest.
With millions of retirees depending on state support, this annual update is a vital financial adjustment. Alongside the main state pension, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has also revised rates for allowances, dependents, and disability benefits. Understanding these new rates can help pensioners and their families plan their finances for the year ahead.
Full Breakdown of State Pension and Benefits Rate Changes
The new DWP Pension Rates 2025-26 include changes to both the New State Pension and the Old State Pension. The full New State Pension has increased from £221.20 to £230.25 per week, while the basic Old State Pension (Category A or B) has gone up from £169.50 to £176.45 per week.
Here’s a breakdown of key increases:
| Benefit Type | 2024-25 Rate | 2025-26 Rate |
| New State Pension – Full Rate | £221.20 | £230.25 |
| Old State Pension – Category A/B | £169.50 | £176.45 |
| Protected Payments | +6.70% | +1.70% |
| Own & Inherited Increments | +6.70% | +1.70% |
| Basic Pension (Spouse/Civil Partner’s Insurance) | £101.55 | £105.70 |
| Non-Contributory Pensions (Cat C or D) | £101.55 | £105.70 |
| Additional Pension – Max (Own + Inherited) | £218.39 | £222.10 |
| GRB (Graduated Retirement Benefit) per unit | £0.1753 | £0.1783 |
These increases, though modest compared to 2024, continue to support pensioners in line with economic changes and the government’s pension policy.
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State Pension
Under this section, both new and old state pensions see increases:
- New State Pension (Full Rate): £230.25
- Old State Pension (Cat A/B Basic): £176.45
- Lower rate pensions for spouses (Category B): £105.70
- Non-contributory pensions (Category C/D): £105.70
In addition to these, protected payments, inherited pension rights, and increments from deferred pensions will also rise by 1.70%. This ensures that both direct recipients and survivors benefit from a consistent increase.
Attendance Allowance New Rate List 2025-26
The Attendance Allowance, paid to pensioners with physical or mental disabilities, will also increase:
| Attendance Allowance | 2024-25 | 2025-26 |
| Higher Rate | £108.55 | £110.40 |
| Lower Rate | £72.65 | £73.90 |
This benefit helps cover the extra costs of long-term care for older adults, offering vital support for those with high dependency needs.
Dependency Increases
Pensioners caring for a spouse, partner, or children may qualify for dependency increases, which have also been updated:
| Benefit | 2024-25 | 2025-26 |
| Adult Dependency (Long-Term Incapacity) | £80.70 | £82.05 |
| Unemployability Supplement | £81.90 | £83.30 |
| Severe Disablement Allowance | £48.40 | £49.20 |
| Short-term Incapacity (Over Pension Age) | £77.70 | £79.00 |
| Short-term Incapacity (Under Pension Age) | £62.85 | £63.90 |
| Child Dependency Increase | £11.35 | £11.35 |
| Eldest Child (adjusted for Child Benefit) | £8.00 | £8.00 |
These payments aim to provide additional financial relief for pensioners supporting dependents or with ongoing care responsibilities.
Disability Living Allowance
The Disability Living Allowance (DLA) also sees updated rates in both the care and mobility components:
Care Component:
- Highest Rate: £110.40
- Middle Rate: £73.90
- Lowest Rate: £29.20
Mobility Component:
- Higher Rate: £77.05
- Lower Rate: £29.20
This benefit supports those with severe disabilities, helping cover mobility and care-related costs.
Increase of Long-Term Incapacity for Age
Pensioners receiving this allowance due to age and health complications will receive a slight increase:
- Higher Rate: £28.90 (up from £28.40)
- Lower Rate: £14.45 (up from £14.20)
This supplement continues to support those facing additional age-related barriers.
Invalidity Allowance (Transitional) for State Pension Recipients
This allowance is for individuals who transitioned from incapacity-related benefits to the state pension:
- Higher Rate: £28.90
- Middle Rate: £18.50
- Lower Rate: £9.25
These transitional payments help maintain income levels for those who are no longer eligible for incapacity benefits.
FAQs
What is the Full New State Pension Rate for 2025/26?
The full New State Pension is £230.25 per week. This is the amount paid to those who have made full qualifying contributions over their working life under the new system.
How Much is the Basic Old State Pension for 2025/26?
The basic Old State Pension (Category A or B) has increased to £176.45 per week for 2025–26. This applies to those who retired under the older pension rules prior to April 2016.
What Percentage Increase Does the State Pension Have This Year?
For most pension elements, the 2025–26 increase is around 4.09%. Increments and additional pension components increased by 1.70%, continuing the upward trend in state support for pensioners.
Are Inherited Pension Increments Also Increasing?
Yes. Inherited increments from deferred pensions are rising by 1.70%, ensuring spouses or survivors see an increase in income if their deceased partner had deferred claiming their pension.
What is the Graduated Retirement Benefit Unit Rate for 2025/26?
The Graduated Retirement Benefit (GRB) unit rate has increased from £0.1753 to £0.1783. While not large, this rise contributes to the total amount received by pensioners with GRB entitlements.
Final Thoughts
The DWP Pension Rates 2025-26 offer stability and modest improvements for millions of UK pensioners. While the increases are smaller than last year, they ensure that pensioners continue to receive support that aligns with inflation and living costs. With changes across pensions, attendance allowances, and dependency benefits, it’s crucial for retirees and their families to understand where they fall and how much they can expect.
