If you’re on the State Pension, you’re not left out. The full new state pension is going up by about £900 a year. That’s around £17 a week extra in your pocket. Not life-changing, but definitely “treat yourself to a nice biscuit” money. Imagine the fanciest shortbread you can find—and then eat two.
£725 Cost of Living Payment 2026: Full Eligibility and Payment Timeline
The old basic pension (if you claimed before 2016) is getting a boost too—about £690 a year more. So yes, you can finally afford that afternoon bus pass without squinting at the fare. High five, grandma.
How to make sure you get every penny
Here’s the fun part: you don’t need to do a thing if you’re already claiming. The DWP auto-magically updates your payments. But—and this is a big but (I like big buts, and I cannot lie)—you must check if you’re missing out. Loads of people don’t claim Pension Credit or Universal Credit because they think they won’t qualify. Spoiler: you might.
Try the entitledto calculator online. It takes five minutes and feels like winning a small lottery. Or call the DWP helpline—yes, you’ll wait, but bring a snack and your favorite podcast. The extra cash is worth the hold music.
