From April 2025, millions of UK pensioners will see their state pension increase by up to £470 per year. This change comes through the Triple Lock system, which protects pension values from losing ground to inflation or falling wages.
However, not everyone will benefit. Nearly 450,000 pensioners living abroad in certain countries, including Canada, New Zealand, and other Commonwealth nations, will not receive this increase due to the UK’s frozen pension policy.
Also, with the Easter 2025 bank holidays, some DWP benefit payments may arrive earlier than usual. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is the Triple Lock Pension System?
The Triple Lock guarantees that the UK state pension increases each year by the highest of the following:
- Inflation (measured in September of the previous year)
- Wage growth
- 2.5% minimum
For April 2025, the increase is based on 4.1% wage growth, giving pensioners up to £470 more per year.
Who Will Miss Out on the Increase?
Unfortunately, around 450,000 pensioners living in certain overseas countries will not receive the increase due to the UK’s frozen pension rule.
These include countries without a social security agreement with the UK, such as:
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Some Commonwealth countries
If you live in one of these countries, your pension stays frozen at the rate you first started claiming it.
Easter 2025 Bank Holiday Payment Changes
The Easter holidays will affect regular DWP payments, especially those due on:
- Good Friday – April 18, 2025
- Easter Monday – April 21, 2025
When Will You Be Paid?
- If your payment is due on April 18 or April 21, you will likely get it on Thursday, April 17, 2025.
- Payments due on other dates will be made as scheduled.
Note: While early payments are good, your next payment will come at the usual time, meaning you’ll need to budget accordingly.
Which DWP Benefits Might Be Affected?
You may get an early payment if you receive any of the following:
- State Pension
- Universal Credit
- Child Benefit
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Carer’s Allowance
- Attendance Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Tax Credits
In April 2025, UK pensioners will benefit from a £470 state pension boost through the Triple Lock. But around 450,000 UK citizens living abroad in certain countries will miss out due to frozen pension rules.
Additionally, Easter bank holidays may lead to early benefit payments, especially for those receiving state support through DWP. Make sure to check your bank account early and plan your expenses to cover the gap until your next scheduled payment.
FAQ’s
How much will the UK state pension increase in April 2025?
The state pension will increase by up to £470 per year from April 2025, based on a 4.1% rise under the Triple Lock system.
Who will not receive the pension increase in April 2025?
Around 450,000 pensioners living in countries like Canada, New Zealand, and some Commonwealth nations won’t get the increase due to frozen pension rules.
What is the Triple Lock system?
The Triple Lock increases UK pensions each year based on whichever is higher—September inflation, wage growth, or a guaranteed 2.5%.
How are DWP payments affected by Easter 2025?
Payments due on April 18 (Good Friday) or April 21 (Easter Monday) will be paid early, likely on April 17, 2025. Other payments remain on schedule.
Which DWP benefits might be paid early due to Easter?
Benefits like State Pension, Universal Credit, Child Benefit, DLA, ESA, JSA, PIP, and others may be paid early if due on the Easter bank holidays.
