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How much of the 3.8% increase you get will depend on:

If you took your benefits, or became a preserved pensioner, on or after 22 April 2025, you won’t get the full amount because you’ve been retired, or preserved, for less than a year. 

You can see how this works in the table on the annual pension increase webpage

If you’re 65 or older on 6 April 2026, you may also receive a lower increase. This is because your pension may include some ‘guaranteed minimum pension’ (GMP). With GMP, you usually get a lower increase from the Scheme and the government may top this up if you reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016. Some exceptions apply to married women who paid reduced National Insurance contributions and certain pensioners who worked or live abroad.

If you have questions about your GMP, you should contact your local pension centre. You can find details at gov.uk/contact-pension-service

Your pension is a taxable income. The amount of tax you pay depends on your tax code, which is set by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). 

If your overall income changes – for example because your State Pension or workplace pension has increased – HMRC may change your tax code. This might mean that you pay more tax, so your ‘take home pay’ will go down. 

You can see your current tax code on your P60 in your myRPS account. 

If your tax code changes, HMRC will usually contact you.

If you need more information about your tax code, or the tax you may need to pay, you will need to contact HMRC directly.

If your circumstances change – for example if you change your name due to marriage or divorce – it’s important you let us, and HMRC know as soon as possible. This can help to avoid any mix up with your tax code moving forward. 

If you’re changing your bank or building society, you need to update your details at least 10 working days before your pension is due to be paid. You should try to keep your old account open, until this has been confirmed. 

You can update your bank details by logging in to your myRPS account. You can also find more information on the updating my bank details page. 

You will get a letter in the spring confirming your new pension amount. 

You will then also be able to download your latest payslip or P60 from your myRPS account.