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Even though the State Pension officially increases on 6 April, the date the higher amount reaches your bank account may be slightly different.
If your first payment after the increase arrives a few days later than you expected, don’t worry, you’re not missing out.
The State Pension rises every year on 6 April, the start of the new tax year. This is when the legal “uprating” takes effect.
However, your pension is paid on a set day of the week, which is determined by the last two digits of your National Insurance number. Payments are also made in arrears, meaning you’re paid for the week that has just finished, not the week ahead. Here’s what you need to know.
How much is the State Pension increasing by on 6 April 2026?
When the 2026/27 tax year begins on 6 April, the new full State Pension will rise from £230.25 a week to £241.30 a week, representing an annual increase of £575. The exact amount you receive will depend on your National Insurance contribution record.
The full basic State Pension will increase from £176.45 to £184.90 a week, adding £440 to annual payments.
Whether you receive the new State Pension or the basic State Pension depends on when you reached State Pension age:
- If you reached State Pension age before April 2016, you receive the basic State Pension (plus any additional State Pension you built up).
- If you reached State Pension age after April 2016, you receive the new State Pension.
You can read more in our guide What will the State Pension be in 2026?
How do I find out when my State Pension is paid?
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) sets your payment day according to the final two digits of your National Insurance number:
- 00–19: Monday
- 20–39: Tuesday
- 40–59: Wednesday
- 60–79: Thursday
- 80–99: Friday
State Pension payments are made weekly in arrears. This means you’re paid for the week that has just ended.
So, if your usual payday falls after 6 April, your first payment including the higher rate will arrive on your next scheduled payment day, which won’t necessarily be on 6 April itself.
For example, if your pension is normally paid on a Friday and 6 April falls on a Saturday, your first higher payment would arrive the following Friday. That first payment may include a mixture of days paid at the old rate and days paid at the new rate. After that, all payments will reflect the full increase.
Will I lose out if my payment isn’t made on 6 April?
No, you won’t lose out, as although the increase officially takes effect on 6 April, the timing of your bank payment simply reflects the weekly payment cycle. You’re not being penalised or missing out.
Your first payment after 6 April may contain a mix of old-rate and new-rate days. Once you’ve completed your first full pension week entirely after 6 April, your payment should be made fully at the new rate.
In short, even if the higher amount doesn’t appear in your account immediately on 6 April, you will still receive the full increase you’re entitled to.
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