Recent rumours suggest over-60s will receive a £150 flat pension increase in 2025 through the DWP. This article examines what the government has officially confirmed, the figures involved, what “uprating” means, and whether the £150 claim holds up.
Official Pension Increase in 2025-26
The government has confirmed that from 6 April 2025, both the basic State Pension and the new State Pension will be uprated by 4.1%.
This increase is tied to the triple lock mechanism (or at least part of it) and reflects wage growth/inflation measurements.
What Uprating Means in Cash Terms
Depending on whether you receive the new State Pension or the basic/old State Pension, the actual money increase will vary by individual based on how many qualifying years and contributions you have.
Here are approximate figures for pensioners:
| Pension Type | Current Weekly Rate (before increase) | Weekly Rate from 6 April 2025 (4.1% rise) | Estimated Annual Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| New State Pension (full rate) | ~ £221.20 per week | ~ £230.31 per week | ~ £470-£480 more per year over previous rate |
| Basic/Old State Pension | Lower amount depending on earlier accruals | Increase corresponds to 4.1% likewise | Varies, but proportionately smaller increase |
What About the “£150 Increase for Over-60s” Claim?
| Claim | What is being claimed | What evidence exists | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Over-60s to get £150 pension increase in 2025 | Flat extra payment of £150 for people aged 60+ from DWP | No reliable official source confirms this specific payment. News items with this claim appear unsubstantiated. | Likely false or mistaken |
| 4.1% uprating + existing state pension rates | Confirmed by DWP/Government documents | Published benefit & pension rates for 2025-2026 show this rising factor. | True and official |
Who Gets What & Who Qualifies
- Anyone receiving the new State Pension or basic/old State Pension is eligible for the 4.1% uprating, so long as they are already in receipt of pension payments before the effective date.
- The amount you receive depends on your National Insurance contributions and how many qualifying years you have
- There is no indication that recipients aged 60-only (i.e. not yet state pension age) will receive this increase just for being over 60. The increase applies at state pension age thresholds.
Key Figures at a Glance
- 4.1% – The confirmed rate of increase in the State Pension from April 2025.
- £221.20/week – Approx current full “new State Pension” before increase.
- Estimated extra annual income ≈ £470-£480 for those on a full new State Pension.
Why the Rumour Might Have Spread
- Misinterpretation of the uprating figure may have led to people thinking a flat lump sum of £150 was being offered to all over-60s.
- Benefit increases often show in both weekly and annual terms, which can confuse headlines.
- There are other enhancements, discounts, or bonuses (fuel, warm home, etc.) that can combine to additional support — people may conflated those with pension uprating.
While there has been no credible confirmation that over-60s will receive a fixed £150 pension increase in 2025, the government has officially confirmed a 4.1% rise in both new and old/basic state pensions effective 6 April 2025.
For many pensioners, especially those receiving the full rate, this will translate to nearly £470-£480 more per year. Always check your own pension status, qualifying years, and ensure you’re aware of the precise state pension you receive to estimate your personal benefit.
FAQs
Does the 4.1% increase apply to everyone over 60?
No. It applies to everyone who already receives the State Pension (new or old), which generally means having reached State Pension age, not merely being over 60.
Will there be any extra-lump sum or bonus of £150 for over-60s?
As of now, no official confirmation exists for a one-off £150 bonus specifically for over-60s. The confirmed change is the percentage uprate (4.1%) from April 2025.
What is the “triple lock” and how does it influence pension increases?
The triple lock ensures State Pension increases each April by the highest of: inflation measured by CPI, average earnings growth, or a guaranteed minimum (usually 2.5%). This mechanism is what led to the 4.1% increase being chosen.