State pensioners could see their weekly state pension jump to a whopping £549 per week if a new petition is successful.
A petition set up on the government’s petition website already has nearly 10,000 signatures, the amount needed to force government to issue a reply.
The campaign is calling for the state pension age to be lowered to 60 and be increased to match the equivalent of 48 hours of work per week at the National Living Wage.
That would see the state pension increase from £221.20 per week, its current rate, to £549.12.
That would make a £28,554.24 annual income for a pensioner on a full new state pension over the age of 60.
The petition states: “We want the Government to make the State Pension available from the age of 60 and increase this to equal 48 hours a week at the National Living Wage.
“Hence from April 2024, a universal State Pension should be £549.12 per week or about £28,554.24 per year as a right to all including expatriates, age 60 and above.
“We think that Government policy seems intent on the State Pension being a benefit, while increasing the age of entitlement. We want reforms so the State Pension is available from age 60, and linked to the National Living Wage.”
The petition is currently at 9,000 signatures and at 10,000 will force a reply from government. If it reaches 100,000 signatures it must be debated in Parliament.
Currently, the state pension age is 66 for both men and women, and it is due to increase further in 2026.
The New State Pension was introduced in 2016 to replace the Basic State Pension. To prevent confusion, those already qualified for the Basic State Pension continue to receive it, and only new claimants receive the New State Pension. Eventually the Basic State Pension will be phased out completely.
Recently, Labour ruled out giving compensation to WASPI campaigners (Women Against State Pension Inequality), who had been lobbying for payouts after the state pension age was raised for women.
To sign the petition, go here.
