State pension to go up in 2026 – is it enough to live on?
23rd Sep 2025
thinkmoney
Do you get the state pension? From April 2026, payments might go up by 4.7% thanks to the government’s triple lock system. This could mean roughly an extra £560 in your pocket every year.
But with bills still high and everyday costs creeping up every month, the big question is: will it be enough to live on?
Why is the state pension going up?
The state pension is going up because of the triple lock policy. Under the triple lock, the state pension has to rise each year by whichever is the highest out of inflation, average wage growth, or a guaranteed minimum of 2.5%.
This year, wages grew by around 4.7% beating inflation. As such, it’s expected the state pension will increase by 4.7% in April 2026.
How much will you get from April 2026?
The exact amount you get will largely depend on whether you’re on the new state pension or the old basic state pension.
Here’s what the increase looks like.
If you’re on the new state pension (retired on or after 6 April 2016):
Current: £230.25 per week (£11,973 per year)
Expected in 2026: £241.05 per week (£12,534.60 per year)
Annual increase: £561.60
If you’re on the old basic state pension (retired before 6 April 2016):
Current: £176.45 per week (£9,175.40 per year)
Expected in 2026: £184.75 per week (£9,607 per year)
Annual increase: £431.60
These are the maximum amounts you can receive. However, what you actually get will depend on your National Insurance record. If you typically get the maximum, you’ll carry on getting the maximum.
Is the state pension enough to live on?
Whether the state pension is enough to live on is largely individual to an extent. If you live frugally, in a cheap area, with a paid off house, and little outgoings, you might find it’s a sufficient amount.
The Pension and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA) publish estimates of what’s required for a minimum, moderate or comfortable style of living each year.
According to them, this is what a single person needs each year in retirement:
£13,400 for a minimum standard of living
£31,700 for a moderate lifestyle
£43,900 to live comfortably
For couples, the figures are:
£21,600 for a minimum lifestyle
£43,900 for a moderate lifestyle
£60,600 to live comfortably
The PLSA figures paint a dire picture. Even with the increase, the new state pension will still fall short of the minimum standard for a single person, and it’s nowhere near what’s needed for a moderate or comfortable retirement.
What if you're struggling to live on the state pension?
If your pension doesn’t stretch far enough, there’s extra help available. Lots of pensioners on low income are entitled to benefits and income top-ups but not all of them are aware of this.
Here is a list of some of the support you could potentially claim.
Income top-ups and benefits:
Pension Credit – boosts your income if you’re on a low pension
council tax reductions – for those on low income or benefits
housing benefit – for pensioners struggling to cover their rent
Help with essential costs:
winter fuel payment – up to £300 towards your heating bills if you’re born before 22nd September 1959
warm home discount – a one-of £150 discount automatically applied by your energy provider
cold weather payments – a £25 payment for every 7-day period the temperature in your area is forecast to be zero degrees Celsius or below
free TV licence (if you’re 75+ and on pension credit)
attendance allowance – for those who need help living independently
How to apply for Pension Credit:
online: gov.uk/pension-credit
by phone: call 0800 99 1234
by post: request a paper form and send it to Freepost DWP Pensions Service 3
If you’re not sure where to start, Citizens Advice or Age UK can help you with the application.
How to check what benefits you’re entitled to
You can check what benefits you’re entitled to online. There are several benefits calculators that will show you the support you can apply for if you fill out the forms with information about yourself and your financial and personal situation.
< Back to articles