As of April 2025, the UK government has increased the full new State Pension to £230.25 per week, up from £221.20 in 2024—a 4.1% rise driven by the Triple Lock mechanism, which ensures pensions increase annually by the highest of inflation, average earnings growth, or 2.5%.
This change benefits millions of retirees, but not everyone will receive the full amount. Your National Insurance (NI) contributions and personal circumstances determine your entitlement.
Eligibility Criteria for the Full £230.25 Weekly State Pension
To receive the full new State Pension of £230.25 per week, you must:
- Have at least 35 qualifying years of NI contributions or credits.
- Be a man born on or after 6 April 1951 or a woman born on or after 6 April 1953.
- Have reached the State Pension age, currently 66, rising to 67 between 2026 and 2028 .
If you have between 10 and 34 qualifying years, you’ll receive a proportionally reduced amount. Less than 10 years typically means you’re not eligible for any State Pension.
State Pension Rates for 2025/26
| Pension Type | Weekly Rate (2025/26) | Annual Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Full New State Pension | £230.25 | £11,973 |
| Basic State Pension | £176.45 | £9,175 |
Note: The Basic State Pension applies to men born before 6 April 1951 and women born before 6 April 1953.
How to Check and Boost Your State Pension
1. Check Your NI Record
- Visit the GOV.UK website to view your NI contributions and identify any gaps.
2. Make Voluntary NI Contributions
- If you have gaps in your NI record, you can make voluntary Class 3 contributions to increase your pension amount.
- The deadline to pay for missing years from 2006 to 2016 has been extended to April 2025 .
3. Consider Deferring Your Pension
- Delaying your State Pension claim increases your payments by approximately 5.8% for each year deferred .
Estimated Weekly Pension Based on Qualifying Years
| Qualifying Years | Estimated Weekly Pension | Annual Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | £65.79 | £3,421 |
| 20 | £131.57 | £6,836 |
| 30 | £197.36 | £10,262 |
| 35 | £230.25 | £11,973 |
These figures are approximate and based on the 2025/26 rates.
Payment Dates in May 2025
State Pension payments are made every four weeks. In May 2025, due to bank holidays, payments will be adjusted as follows:
- Early May Bank Holiday (Monday, May 5): Payments will be made on Friday, May 2.
- Spring Bank Holiday (Monday, May 26): Payments will be made on Friday, May 23 .
Your regular payment day depends on the last two digits of your NI number.
| NI Number Ending | Payment Day |
|---|---|
| 00–19 | Monday |
| 20–39 | Tuesday |
| 40–59 | Wednesday |
| 60–79 | Thursday |
| 80–99 | Friday |
The increase of the full new State Pension to £230.25 per week in 2025 is a significant boost for UK retirees. However, the amount you receive depends on your National Insurance contributions and personal circumstances.
By checking your NI record, making voluntary contributions if necessary, and understanding the eligibility criteria, you can maximize your State Pension benefits. Planning ahead is crucial to ensure a comfortable retirement.
FAQs
Can I receive the State Pension if I have lived or worked abroad?
Yes, if you have paid NI contributions in the UK and meet the qualifying criteria, you may still be eligible. The UK has agreements with certain countries that may help you qualify .
What happens if I was ‘contracted out’ of the Additional State Pension?
If you were contracted out, you might receive less than the full new State Pension. It’s advisable to check your NI record and consult with the Pension Service for personalized information .
How can I claim my State Pension?
You should receive an invitation letter from the Pension Service 4 months before you reach State Pension age. You can claim online, by phone, or by post .