Basic State Pension 2026/27

Who is on the basic scheme

Men born before 6 April 1951 and women born before 6 April 1953 reached SPA under the old rules, so they remain on the basic State Pension1. The headline figure is lower than the new SP, but many basic-scheme pensioners also receive SERPS, State Second Pension (S2P), or graduated retirement benefit on top.

SERPS / S2P top-up stack

SERPS ran 1978 to 2002. S2P ran 2002 to 2016. Both top up the basic figure based on your earnings history. The actual amount varies widely; some basic-scheme pensioners receive more than the new full SP headline once additional pension is included2.

Adjacent

• Full new State Pension (post-2016)
• COPE deduction explained
• Contracted-out years
• Full rate card
• Forecast vs full