The triple lock, which guarantees the State Pension rises each year by the highest of inflation, average earnings growth of 2.5 per cent has kept retirement incomes rising in recent years.
The full new State Pension now stands at £230.25 a week or £11,973 a year after a 4.1 per cent uprating in April 2025.
Is that enough?
For many retirees, the State Pension provides a solid base, but it rarely covers the cost of a comfortable retirement on its own.
Rising living costs, regional price differences and higher expectations for leisure and healthcare mean that the standard State Pension often falls short of what most people find comfortable.
At the same time, the Office for Budget Responsibility warns that the triple lock is costly and may be unsustainable in the long run.
How to close the gap in your finances
You should check your forecast and qualifying years.
If you are not on track for the full amount, view your State Pension forecast on GOV.UK to see whether gaps exist.
In some cases, it is worth considering if voluntary National Insurance contributions can plug gaps.
This can be a highly effective way to boost the State Pension, but it is not right for everyone, so be sure to speak to an expert.
Where possible, boost workplace or personal pension contributions as employer matches and tax relief make pensions an efficient way to top up income.
This can be paired with regular increases or one-off payments, which can materially change outcomes.
It might benefit you to use ISAs and other savings to add flexibility, as tax-free withdrawals from Stocks and Shares or Cash ISAs can supplement income without affecting pension rules.
Unless you really need it, you should delay claiming the State Pension as deferring can increase your eventual payments and might suit those who can afford to wait.
The triple lock helps protect pensioners, but for most, it will not be enough alone.