Overview
- Just Group analysis of ONS data finds about 740,000 single pensioners and 500,000 two-adult retired households receive at least 75% of their income from state support.
- The full new state pension is roughly £11,973 a year versus about £13,400 for Pensions UK's minimum single-person standard, leaving a £1,427 annual deficit.
- The full rate is scheduled to increase 4.8% from April 2026 to £241.30 a week from £230.25, which experts say will not close the gap.
- DWP figures indicate close to one million eligible pensioners are not claiming Pension Credit worth around £2,600 a year on average.
- Just Group estimates the gap equates to about £119 a month for affected retirees and highlights November 22 as 'State Pension Shortfall Day.'