Starting January 2026, both National Pension and Basic Pension payments will increase by 2.1%, and the upper and lower limits for standard monthly income will be adjusted from July. On January 9, the Ministry of Health and Welfare held the first National Pension Review Committee meeting at the National Pension Service Gangnam office, where these changes were approved. Beneficiaries will receive increased pension amounts reflecting inflation from this month. These adjustments signal significant improvements in income security and welfare for retirees.
The basic and dependent family pension amounts are raised by 2.1%, reflecting last year\’s consumer price inflation, benefiting approximately 7.52 million National Pension recipients from January. The revaluation rate for new beneficiaries in 2026 was also set; for example, the 1988 revaluation rate of 8.528 means an income of 1 million KRW then is now valued at about 8.528 million KRW in 2025. The upper income standard rises from 6.37 million KRW to 6.59 million KRW, and the lower from 400,000 KRW to 410,000 KRW. However, 86% of all subscribers are not directly affected by these changes.
The committee also extended the special rule for determining standard income for three years, helping workers with significant income fluctuations pay insurance premiums more accurately. This special rule will apply from the date of official announcement, and the adjusted income standards will be reflected in premiums from July. The Basic Pension standard amount is also increased by 2.1%, rising from 342,510 KRW per month last year to 349,700 KRW this year. About 7.79 million seniors will receive the increased Basic Pension from January.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare plans to sequentially revise related notices to reflect these committee decisions and strengthen guidance so beneficiaries and subscribers can fully understand the changes. The Basic Pension standard amount notice will be amended in January, and inquiries can be made to relevant departments at the Ministry and National Pension Service. These policy changes are expected to positively impact income stability and strengthen the social safety net for pensioners.