Overview
- Analysis of ONS data by Just Group finds about 740,000 single retirees and 500,000 two‑adult retired households mainly rely on state pension income, defined as at least three quarters of total income.
- The full new state pension of £11,973 a year is about £1,427 below Pensions UK’s minimum retirement living standard for a single person, implying a monthly gap of roughly £119.
- DWP figures indicate close to one million pensioners are not claiming Pension Credit, which can top up low incomes and unlock additional help such as housing, council tax and heating support.
- Under the triple lock, state pension rates will rise by 4.8% from April 2026 to £241.30 a week for the full new state pension and £184.90 for the full basic rate.
- The state pension age will increase to 67 between 2026 and 2028, with the change phased by month of birth as set out under the Pensions Act 2014 timetable.