From April, state pensioners living with severe disabilities will receive an additional £86.05 per week as part of updated Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) rates. This increase aligns with a broader 3.8% rise across most benefits to help mitigate the impact of inflation.
The State Pension for 2026/27 is set to increase by 4.8%, protected under the government’s Triple Lock guarantee. This guarantee ensures pensions rise by the highest of inflation, average earnings growth, or 2.5%. For the upcoming year, the 4.8% increase reflects the highest metric.
Steve Webb, a former Pensions Minister and current partner at pension consultancy LCP, emphasized the importance of these adjustments: “With households continuing to face a high cost of living and further increases in bills such as Council Tax, these annual upratings are vital to make sure that pensioner living standards are protected against inflation.”
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The standard minimum guarantee for Pension Credit will also rise by 4.8% starting April 6, increasing the single weekly rate from £227.10 to £238, and the joint weekly rate from £346.60 to £363.25.
The severe disabilities premium will see a 3.8% uplift from April 6, raising weekly payments from £82.90 to £86.05. This represents a £3.15 increase each week, totaling approximately £163 extra annually.
Baroness Sherlock, Minister of State for the Lords, commented: “The Standard Minimum Guarantee in Pension Credit will increase by 4.8% in line with the increase in average earnings. From April, it will be £238.00 a week for a single pensioner and £363.25 a week for a couple, ensuring the incomes of the poorest pensioners are protected.
Other State Pension and benefit rates covered by statutory review will rise by 3.8%, matching the consumer prices index increase over the year to September 2025. These include most working-age benefits, disability-related support, statutory payments like Statutory Sick Pay and Maternity Pay, and Additional State Pension. The maximum amount for Pension Credit Savings Credit will also see a 3.8% rise.”