What’s the Minimum Wage in 2026? A Guide to Age Bands and Eligibility

What’s the Minimum Wage in 2026? A Guide to Age Bands and Eligibility

If you’re asking whats minimum wage for your age group in 2026, the answer depends on how old you are and whether you’re an apprentice. The UK government sets statutory minimum hourly rates that change every April. From 1 April 2026, the rates have increased, and the rules around who gets what have been updated. This guide breaks down the age bands, eligibility, and what the new rates mean for your pay packet.

National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage Rates from April 2026

The headline rate – the National Living Wage (NLW) – applies to workers aged 21 and over. It rises to £12.71 per hour, a 4.1% increase from the previous £12.21. For younger workers, the National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates are:

• Aged 18 to 20: £10.85 per hour (up 8.5% from £10.00)
• Under 18: £8.00 per hour (up 6% from £7.55)
• Apprentice rate: £8.00 per hour (up 6% from £7.55)

These figures come from the official GOV.UK guidance and the Low Pay Commission’s 2026 report. The government accepted the recommendations in full, as confirmed by the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Regulations 2026.

Who Gets Which Rate? Eligibility Explained

Your age on the first day of the pay reference period determines which rate applies. The NLW now starts at age 21, not 25 as it did in previous years. Here’s a quick summary:

• 21 and over: National Living Wage (£12.71/hr)
• 18 to 20: National Minimum Wage 18–20 rate (£10.85/hr)
• Under 18: National Minimum Wage under-18 rate (£8.00/hr)
• Apprentices: Special apprentice rate (£8.00/hr) – but only if you are under 19, or aged 19 or over and in your first year of apprenticeship.

If you are an apprentice aged 19 or over and have completed the first year, you are entitled to the age-appropriate minimum wage. For example, a 21-year-old apprentice who has finished the first year must be paid the NLW of £12.71 per hour, not the apprentice rate.

How the Accommodation Offset Works

If your employer provides you with living accommodation, they can offset a daily amount against your pay. From April 2026, this accommodation offset rises to £11.10 per day (up from £10.66). This means that if you are paid the minimum wage and also given accommodation, your employer can count up to £11.10 per day as part of your wages. The offset is set by law and applies across all age bands.

What the Increase Means for Your Take-Home Pay

The headline rates are statutory minimums, but your actual take-home pay depends on tax, National Insurance, and any benefits you receive. The Low Pay Commission’s 2026 report explains that a single full-time NLW worker (35 hours per week) will see a weekly increase of about £11.90 (3.3%) after deductions. However, if you receive Universal Credit, the increase to the standard allowance (6.2%) may boost your household income more than the wage rise alone.

For workers aged 18–20, the 8.5% increase to £10.85 is a significant step towards narrowing the gap with the NLW. The government has committed to eventually eliminating the difference between the 18–20 rate and the NLW, so future increases may be above inflation.

Checking Your Pay and Getting Help

If you think you are being paid less than the statutory minimum, you can use the government’s minimum wage calculator or contact Acas for advice. Employers must display the correct rates and ensure contracts reflect the legal minimum. For more detailed guidance on pay and employment rights, visit our pay guides or explore topics related to wages and contracts.

Common Questions About Minimum Wage Age Bands

What’s the minimum wage for a 17-year-old working part-time?

If you are 17, you are entitled to the under-18 rate of £8.00 per hour from April 2026. This applies regardless of how many hours you work. Your employer cannot pay you less than this, even if you are in a trial period.

Can I be paid the apprentice rate if I’m 22 and in my first year?

Yes. If you are 22 and in the first year of your apprenticeship, you can be paid the apprentice rate of £8.00 per hour. After the first year, you must be paid the NLW of £12.71 per hour because you are 21 or over.

What happens if my employer doesn’t pay the correct minimum wage?

You have the right to be paid at least the statutory minimum for your age and role. If you suspect underpayment, speak to your employer first. If the issue isn’t resolved, you can report it to HMRC or contact Acas. Employers who break the law can be fined and ordered to pay back wages.

Summary

Knowing whats minimum wage for your age group is essential for ensuring you are paid fairly. The 2026 rates are:

• 21 and over: £12.71/hr
• 18–20: £10.85/hr
• Under 18: £8.00/hr
• Apprentice (first year or under 19): £8.00/hr

Always check your contract and payslip to confirm you are receiving at least the correct rate. For more information, see our UK Minimum Wage page or browse pay data for industry benchmarks.