DWP sending pensioners letters about income boost worth over £470 a year

The Department for Work and Pensions () is sending millions of letters to Brits informing them about their increase. The rise in state pension payments was implemented on April 7 this year.

Every year, the anddepartment sends out letters to all claimants, informing them of their new payment rates. However, many people have taken to social media to share their concerns as they have not yet received their letter.

In a post to a cost of living group, one person recently shared: "Has everyone now received a letter stating what their new State Pension will be, as I have not yet received mine?" The post received over 20 comments from others sharing that they also were still waiting for theirs, and others confirming that they had received them a while ago.

The rise in state pension payments was confirmed last year in the Autumn Statement as Labour confirmed that the Triple Lock promise was to remain in place. The triple lock sees state pension payments rise by whatever is highest out of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for September, the average growth for wages between May and July, or 2.5%. Last year, it was linked to the earnings figure, which sat at 4.1%.

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The latest figures from the show that 12.9 million people are currently claiming the state pension. The figure includes 4.1 million on the new state pension (post-2016) and 8.8 million on the basic state pension. Both rose in line under the triple lock system.

State pensioners should have received their letters before the rise on April 7, however, as there are millions down to receive them, some will have likely been slightly delayed.

If you haven't received the letter yet, stay patient as it should arrive before the end of this month. If it doesn't, it may be worth checking that the DWP has your correct contact details, especially if you've moved since the last uprating notice was issued in 2024.

It's important to note that this letter is purely informational and for your own records. It does not affect payments as the uprating is applied automatically from April 7.

How much did the state pension go up this year?

The basic state pension increased from £169.50 to £176.45 per week, while the full new state pension rose from £221.20 to £230.30 per week. This is a weekly uplift of £9.10, or £474.85, over the course of a year, going from £11,541.90 to £12,016.75.

Over the year, the basic state pension has now risen from £8,844.30 to £9,206.95 which is a weekly uplift of £6.95 or £362.65 a year. Those on the old state pension can still get more than £169.50 a week if they qualify for an additional state pension. For example, those that were part of the State Earnings-Related Pension Scheme (SERPS), which ran between 1978 to 2002.

However, it's also important to note that your exact state pension amount depends on your national insurance record. Most people need 35 qualifying years on their National Insurance record for the new state pension to receive the full amount, and typically ten years to get anything at all.

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