diff --git a/.govuk_dependabot_merger.yml b/.govuk_dependabot_merger.yml
index d8921d388..59eef0807 100644
--- a/.govuk_dependabot_merger.yml
+++ b/.govuk_dependabot_merger.yml
@@ -2,3 +2,6 @@ api_version: 2
 defaults:
   auto_merge: true
   update_external_dependencies: false # TODO: enable after verifying that this repo meets the conditions
+overrides:
+  - dependency: rails # should be upgraded manually, see https://docs.publishing.service.gov.uk/manual/keeping-software-current.html#rails
+    auto_merge: false