DWP confirms state pension rise but rejects calls for £586 weekly boost: What it means

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that the state pension will rise under the Triple Lock guarantee, but dismissed proposals to cut the state pension age to 60 or boost weekly payments to £586. The official response comes after a petition gained more than 18,800 signatures across the UK.

Why Was the Petition Rejected?

The petition, launched by campaigner Denver Johnson, called for the state pension to match the National Living Wage of £12.21 an hour for a 48-hour week. This would have increased payments to £2,344 every four weeks, or around £30,476 annually, benefiting more than 12 million pensioners.

However, the government stated there are “no plans” to reduce the pension age to 60 or raise payments to the proposed levels. Officials cited long-term sustainability and fairness across generations, pointing out that changes to the pension age have been legislated since the Pensions Act 1995.

Triple Lock Will Boost Pensions in 2025

Instead, the state pension rise will be determined by the Triple Lock system, which guarantees increases based on whichever is highest:

• Average annual earnings (4.7%)
• Consumer Price Index inflation (expected 4%)
• 2.5% minimum guarantee

This means pensioners are likely to see a 4.7% increase from April 2026, giving:

• New State Pension: £241.05 a week (up from £230.25)
• Basic State Pension: £184.75 a week (up from £176.45)

The confirmed figures will be announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves at the Autumn Budget on 26 November.

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Government’s Defence: A “Sustainable System”

In its response, the DWP stressed that the New State Pension, introduced in 2016, was designed to be a “simpler, clearer, and sustainable foundation” for retirement. It said the Triple Lock commitment alone will add around £31 billion a year to pension spending by 2030 compared with 2024/25 levels.

The department also highlighted additional support:

• Pension Credit for low-income households
• Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners earning under £35,000
• Disability benefits including Attendance Allowance, PIP, and DLA

What This Means for Pensioners

Despite campaigners pushing for a more generous system, the government is standing firm on its long-term approach. Pensioners can expect higher payments in 2025 through the Triple Lock rise, but calls to reduce pension age or align payments with the living wage have been firmly rejected.

The debate is likely to continue, especially as campaign groups such as Silver Voices argue that the pension system fails to keep up with real living costs. If the petition reaches 100,000 signatures, it could trigger a debate in Parliament.

FAQ – DWP State Pension Rise

Will the UK state pension rise in 2025?

Yes. Under the Triple Lock, pensions will rise in April 2026 by around 4.7%, reflecting wage growth.

How much will the new state pension be in 2026?

The full New State Pension will rise to £241.05 a week, while the Basic State Pension will increase to £184.75 a week.

What is the Triple Lock on pensions?

The Triple Lock guarantees pensions increase each year by the highest of wage growth, inflation, or 2.5%.

Did the DWP agree to raise pensions to £586 per week?

No. The government rejected the petition to raise pensions to match the living wage, citing affordability and fairness across generations.

Will the state pension age be lowered to 60?

No. The DWP confirmed there are no plans to reduce the pension age. In fact, legislated increases remain in place.

What extra benefits are available for pensioners?

Pension Credit, Winter Fuel Payments, and disability-related benefits such as PIP and Attendance Allowance provide additional support.

When will the pension rise be officially confirmed?

The final uprating figures will be announced in the Autumn Budget on 26 November 2025.