The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has officially responded to growing public calls for a State Pension of £2,344 per month for people over 60. The proposal, which comes through a widely shared petition, argues that older people should receive a pension equal to 48 hours a week at the National Living Wage helping them cope with rising living costs.
While the campaign has captured public attention, particularly among those struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, the DWP’s answer has been firm: the government has no plans to lower the pension age or increase payments to that level.
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Why £2,344 a Month?
The figure comes from campaigners who believe the State Pension should reflect the basic cost of living in today’s economy. Their calculation is simple: if someone worked a standard 48-hour week and earned the National Living Wage, their monthly income would amount to around £2,344.
For many older people, this is a striking comparison. The current full new State Pension in 2024/25 is £221.20 per week, or about £886 per month. That means campaigners are calling for an increase of more than two and a half times the existing payment.
The Petition and Public Support
The petition, published on the UK Government and Parliament website, has attracted thousands of signatures and sparked a wave of discussion online. It argues that giving people a fair pension from age 60 would not only provide dignity in later life but also boost the economy by freeing up jobs for younger workers.
Supporters point to the example of other European countries where pension systems are more generous, and retirement ages are lower than in the UK. They also highlight the long-standing grievances of the so-called “Waspi women” women born in the 1950s who saw their pension age rise from 60 to 65 (and now 66) with little notice.
The DWP’s Response
The Department for Work and Pensions has made its position clear. In an official statement, the government said:
The Government has no plans to make the State Pension available from the age of 60 or for it to equal 48 hours a week at the National Living Wage.
Instead, the government stresses its commitment to the triple lock system, which guarantees that the State Pension increases each year by the highest of:
- average earnings,
- inflation (Consumer Price Index), or
- 2.5%.
This means pensioners are protected against falling behind the cost of living, though campaigners argue it is still not enough to ensure a comfortable retirement.
Why the Government Is Saying No
There are several reasons the DWP has rejected the proposal:
- Affordability – Increasing the State Pension to £2,344 a month would cost tens of billions annually, requiring major tax rises or spending cuts elsewhere.
- Life expectancy changes – People live longer today than in the past, meaning pensions must be paid out for more years, placing additional strain on public finances.
- Policy direction – Over the last decade, the government has gradually increased the pension age, moving in the opposite direction of what campaigners are asking. The State Pension age is currently 66 and is set to rise to 67 by 2028.
The Reality for Pensioners Today
For many people over 60, this debate is not just political—it’s personal. Rising energy bills, housing costs, and food prices have left pensioners feeling squeezed. A 2023 Age UK survey found that one in five older people were cutting back on essentials to make ends meet.
For example, Jean, a 64-year-old from Manchester, told a local paper that she often skips heating her home to save money. “If the pension was higher, like the campaign says, I could live without worry. Right now, it’s just survival,” she explained.
Practical Tips for Those Nearing Retirement
While large-scale pension reform looks unlikely in the near future, individuals can take steps to improve their retirement security:
- Check your State Pension forecast – Use the government’s online service to see how much you’ll receive and when.
- Claim Pension Credit if eligible – This benefit tops up the income of low-income pensioners, yet thousands of people who qualify never apply.
- Consider workplace or private pensions – Even small contributions add up over time, helping bridge the gap between the State Pension and actual living costs.
- Seek free advice – Organisations like Age UK and MoneyHelper provide guidance on pensions, benefits, and budgeting.
Could Change Happen in the Future?
Although the DWP has said no for now, public pressure can sometimes influence government policy. Petitions with more than 100,000 signatures can be debated in Parliament, raising awareness and potentially shaping future reforms.
It’s worth noting that the UK pension system has undergone major changes before, and debates about fairness, cost, and age thresholds are far from settled.
Conclusion
The campaign for a £2,344 monthly State Pension for people over 60 has struck a chord with many Britons, highlighting real struggles faced by older generations. But the DWP’s response makes clear that such a dramatic increase is not on the cards anytime soon.
For now, pensioners must rely on the existing system of incremental increases through the triple lock, alongside any additional benefits they can claim. The debate, however, has shone a spotlight on a key issue: how can Britain ensure dignity, security, and fairness for people in later life?
FAQ,s
Is the State Pension really going up to £2,344 a month?
No. This is a proposal from a public petition, but the DWP has rejected it.
What is the current State Pension?
As of 2024/25, the full new State Pension is £221.20 per week (about £886 per month).
When can I claim my State Pension?
The State Pension age is currently 66 and will rise to 67 by 2028.
Can I retire at 60 in the UK?
You can retire earlier if you can afford to, but you will not receive the State Pension until you reach the qualifying age.
What is the triple lock?
It’s a rule that ensures the State Pension increases each year by the highest of inflation, average earnings, or 2.5%.