State Pension DWP letter update following rate increase

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have implemented the annual increase in State Pensions and benefits from April 7. Every year, these government departments send out letters to all claimants, informing them of their new payment rates.

However, there are concerns as many people have not yet received their State Pension uprating letter from the DWP, causing worries about not receiving the new, higher rates. 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.

Despite DWP letters still being sent out, it's worth noting that there are currently 13 million people of State Pension age across Great Britain, with 11 million due to receive the correspondence.

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.

For those receiving the State Pension, you can contact the Pension Service at 0800 731 0469. The phone lines are open from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday, but are closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday, reports .

State Pension payment rates 2025/26

From April 7, 2025, payments are in for a financial facelift with a substantial 4.1% rise slated for both the New and Basic State Pensions. The increment will also modestly elevate additional portions, such as deferred rates, at 1.7%.

Full New

• Weekly payment: £230.25 (from £221.20)
• Four-weekly payment: £921 (from £884.80)
• Annual amount: £11,973 (from £11,502)

Full Basic

• Weekly payment: £176.45 (from £169.50)
• Four-weekly payment: £705.80 (from £678)
• Annual amount: £9,175 (from £8,814)

Astride these hikes, the Department for Work and Pensions () is leaping into action to alleviate the strain on older Brits by sending out advisories about the refreshed pension digits. In addition, they're spotlighting the oft-overlooked Pension Credit, which could plump up annual pocketbooks by an average of £4,300 during the 2025/26 fiscal period.

Every senior citizen will get the skinny on this means-tested boon directly through their annual roundup, thanks to the , aiming to turbo-charge awareness and prompt more pensioners to claim their due.

Pensions Minister Torsten Bell underscores the significance of this campaign: "As part of the annual uprating exercise, around 11 million pensioners will receive a leaflet promoting Pension Credit along with their uprating letter."

The Department for Work and Pensions () is urging all older individuals, regardless of their marital status, to fully utilise the financial aid available in 2025 to supplement their income amidst escalating living costs.

Changes in eligibility rules for the annual meant that only recipients of certain benefits, including Pension Credit, received the payment for 2024/25.

Pension Credit, the most under-claimed benefit in the UK, aims to provide extra financial support for older people on a low income, whether they are single or part of a couple.

A common misconception among many older individuals is that having savings or owning their home disqualifies them from receiving this means-tested benefit. However, Pension Credit can also help with housing costs, heating bills and Council Tax.

Even a small award of £1 per week can unlock additional support.

Here's a quick rundown of the benefit, including who should check their eligibility, how to do so, potential amounts you could receive, and where to find help with completing the form.

How to check eligibility for Pension Credit

Elderly individuals, or their friends and family, can quickly check their eligibility and get an estimate of what they might receive by using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK

Alternatively, pensioners can contact the Pension Credit helpline directly to make a claim on 0800 99 1234 - lines are open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

More information about claiming Pension Credit can be found on

Other help if you get Pension Credit

If you're eligible for Pension Credit, you can also access other forms of assistance, such as:

• Free TV licence if you are aged 75 or over
• Support for Interest if you own the property you live in
• Housing Benefit if you rent the property you live in
• A discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you are moving house
• Council Tax discount
• Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments
• Help with your heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme, Winter Fuel Payments or Pension Age Winter Heating Payment

How to submit a claim

You will require:

• your National Insurance number
• details about your income, savings and investments
• your bank account details, if you're applying via phone or post

If you're backdating your claim, you'll need information about your income, savings and investments on the date you want your claim to commence.

Apply online

You can utilise the online service if:

• you have already claimed your
• there are no children or young people included in your claim

If you have already claimed your and there are no children or young people included in your claim, to verify your entitlement, call the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234 or use the GOV.UK Pension Credit calculator to determine how much you could receive.