State Pension uprating won't be paid to almost half a million people

Wales Online

17 hours ago

State Pension uprating won't be paid to almost half a million people
The UK State Pension is subject to an annual uprating, which sees the amount people receive increase each year
Around 453,000 people will not get new State Pension payments during 2026/27
(Image: Getty )
The most recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) suggests that the annual State Pension uprating is set to be determined by earnings growth, currently standing at 5% (excluding bonuses), while the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate is at 3.6%
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Under the Triple Lock policy, State Pensions increase each year in line with whichever is the highest of average annual earnings growth from May to July, CPI in the year to September or 2.5%
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However, while millions of pensioners across Great Britain can anticipate a rise in payments in April next year, nearly half a million people over the state pension age will not be eligible for the increase.
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State pension uprating refers to the annual increase in the amount of state pension payments, usually implemented in April.
The increase is determined by the "triple lock" mechanism, which ensures that pensions rise by the highest of the following:
The increase in average earnings
The increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) (inflation)
Or 2.5%.
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But it's estimated that 453,000 pensioners are living in a country which lacks a reciprocal agreement with the UK Government, resulting in them not receiving the annual State Pension uprating.
This is despite having made the necessary National Insurance Contributions to qualify. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here
Despite the vigorous campaigning efforts of the 'End Frozen Pensions' campaign - which includes an online petition signed by thousands of supporters, a visit to Parliament by 100-year-old Second World War veteran Anne Puckridge, and ongoing appeals to the UK Government to review the policy - many expats are receiving a significantly smaller State Pension than those residing in Scotland, England, Wales or Northern Ireland, reports the Daily Record.
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Campaigners had been optimistic that the appointment of former Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, as Canadian prime minister, would initiate a conversation with the UK Government about the issue affecting over 100,000 expats living in Canada.
The State Pension is frozen at the point of emigration for individuals primarily residing in Commonwealth countries such as Canada and Australia.
Retirees living in the USA or EU countries are eligible for the same considerations related to their State Pension as if they had stayed in the UK.
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A significant proportion of the affected pensioners (49%) receive £65 per week or less, with an estimated 86% of all expats not being informed that their State Pension would be frozen.
Campaigners have highlighted that some pensioners are receiving as little as £20 a week.
More information about the End Frozen Pensions Campaign can be found on their website.
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The New and Basic State Pension increased by 4.7% in April, meaning someone on the full New State Pension currently receives £230.25 per week, or £921 every four-week pay period.
Those on the full Basic State Pension receive £176.45 each week, or £705.80 every four-week pay period.
State Pension uprating predictions for 2026/27
The Triple Lock is currently set to be determined by the earnings growth element - currently at 5% (excluding bonuses) and 4.6% (including bonuses).
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However, this figure may increase or decrease and isn't the final metric that will determine the level of uprating.
The earnings growth figure to be included in the Triple Lock guarantee will be released by the ONS on September 16.
The CPI figure to be utilised is expected to be announced in mid-October.
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The annual State Pension uprating won't be confirmed until the Autumn Budget, but pensioners - and those due to retire next year - can start to plan their finances by following the Triple Lock measurements.
That being said, a 5% increase on the current State Pension would see people receive the following amounts.
Full New State Pension
Weekly: £241.75
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Four-weekly pay period: £967
Annual amount: £12,571
Full Basic State Pension
Weekly: £185.25
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Four-weekly pay period: £741
Annual amount: £9,633
The annual uprating won't be confirmed until the Autumn Budget, but pensioners - and those due to retire next year - can start to plan their finances by following the Triple Lock measurements.
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