DWP Issues State Pension Payments Following 4.8% Increase

The Department for Work and Pensions is issuing State Pension payments in October for eligible pensioners aged 77 and under. Those on the full New State Pension receive £965.20 every four weeks, reflecting a maximum weekly rate of £241.30. This amount follows a 4.8% increase that took effect on April 6, which aligns with the growth in average weekly earnings from May to July 2025.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden announced the increase as part of the government's commitment to the triple lock mechanism, which ensures rates rise by the highest of price growth, earnings growth, or 2.5%. For the 2026 to 2027 tax year, the annual full rate for the new State Pension has increased by approximately £575.

Due to the agency's four-week payment cycle, some retirees received two payments in September. Specifically, pensioners with National Insurance numbers ending in 40 to 59, who were paid on September 2, received a second payment on September 30. Financial experts from Think Money advised these recipients to budget carefully, as the calendar quirk creates a longer gap before the next disbursement in October.