The UK Government has officially responded to a public petition calling for a significant DWP State Pension rise and a reduction in the pension age to 60. The petition, supported by over 18,800 people, urged the government to introduce a new “universal” State Pension linked to the National Living Wage.
Petition Calls for £586 Weekly Pension Payments
The petition, started by Denver Johnson, proposed raising weekly State Pension payments to £586 — equivalent to 48 hours a week at the National Living Wage rate of £12.21 per hour. If approved, this would mean pensioners receiving around £2,344 every four weeks, or roughly £30,476 per year.
The suggested increase would also apply to around 453,000 retirees living abroad whose State Pensions have been frozen due to the lack of reciprocal agreements with the UK Government. These frozen pensions affect retirees mainly in Commonwealth countries such as Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
DWP Confirms No Plans to Lower Pension Age or Introduce Universal Pension
In its written response, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) rejected the proposal, stating there are “no plans to bring the State Pension age back down to 60” or to raise weekly payments to £586.
A DWP spokesperson said:
“The Government is committed to supporting current and future generations of pensioners and giving them the dignity and security they deserve in retirement. Our commitment to the Triple Lock through this Parliament will benefit over 12 million pensioners.”
According to the DWP, maintaining the Triple Lock is expected to add approximately £31 billion a year to State Pension spending by the end of this Parliament compared to 2024/25 levels.
Understanding the Triple Lock and the 2025–2026 DWP State Pension Rise
The DWP confirmed that the Triple Lock will determine the 2025–2026 State Pension increase. This mechanism ensures pensions rise annually by the highest of:
- Average earnings growth (May–July),
- Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation (to September), or
- 2.5%.
With average earnings growth currently at 4.7% (including bonuses) and CPI inflation forecast at 4%, the DWP State Pension rise for 2025–2026 is expected to be based on the 4.7% figure.
If applied, the new payment rates would be:
Full New State Pension:
- Weekly: £241.05 (up from £230.25)
- Four-weekly: £964.20
- Annual: £12,534
Full Basic State Pension:
- Weekly: £184.75 (up from £176.45)
- Four-weekly: £739
- Annual: £9,607
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to confirm the official pension uprating during the Autumn Budget on November 26, 2025.
DWP Highlights Support for Low-Income Pensioners
The DWP emphasised that the UK’s mixed pension system — made up of the State Pension, private pensions, and workplace schemes — provides a strong foundation for retirement security. The New State Pension, introduced in 2016, was designed to be simpler and fairer, encouraging more people to save through Automatic Enrolment.
For pensioners on low incomes, the DWP pointed to Pension Credit, a means-tested benefit that provides extra income and unlocks additional support such as:
- Help with housing and heating costs,
- Council Tax reductions, and
- Free TV licences for over-75s.
The department also confirmed that Winter Fuel Payments will be issued to pensioners aged over 66 with annual incomes at or below £35,000. Payments will be distributed between November and December, with letters confirming payment amounts already being sent out.
DWP Disability and Extra Support Benefits
The DWP noted that pensioners with long-term illnesses or disabilities may also qualify for additional support. In England and Wales, this includes Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance (DLA), and Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
In Scotland, the equivalent benefits are Adult Disability Payment and the Pension Age Disability Payment, with Scottish Adult DLA expected to be introduced in March 2025.
Why Some Pensioners Won’t Receive the 2025 State Pension Increase
While millions will benefit from the upcoming DWP State Pension rise, around 453,000 pensioners living overseas will not. Their payments remain frozen at the rate they first received them due to the absence of reciprocal pension agreements.
The ‘End Frozen Pensions’ campaign continues to lobby the Government for change, arguing that many expats — particularly those in Australia and Canada — are being unfairly treated after contributing National Insurance for decades. Some affected pensioners receive as little as £20 per week.
Future of the DWP State Pension System
The Government recently launched a Pensions Commission to review long-term sustainability and ensure future retirees can maintain a decent standard of living. Despite growing public pressure, ministers have reiterated that raising the State Pension age has been necessary to balance longer life expectancies and public finances.
The DWP’s full response to the petition is available on the Petitions Parliament website. If the petition reaches 100,000 signatures, it could be considered for a Parliamentary debate.
Key Takeaways:
- DWP rejects £586 weekly State Pension proposal and age cut to 60.
- 2025–2026 DWP State Pension rise expected to be 4.7% under the Triple Lock.
- Full New State Pension could increase to £241.05 per week.
- Around 453,000 overseas pensioners will not receive the annual uprating.
- Official confirmation due at the Autumn Budget on November 26, 2025.
