A nationwide petition in the UK is calling for a major increase in the State Pension, proposing a weekly payment of £549 for everyone aged 60 and over, including British pensioners living overseas.
Launched by campaigner Denver Johnson, the movement argues that pensions should reflect the real cost of living and be tied to the National Living Wage.
As of now, the petition has already gathered 22,649 signatures, and if it reaches 100,000 signatures, it will be eligible for debate in Parliament.
This proposal, which calls for a State Pension that matches 48 hours of work at £11.44 per hour, could provide £28,554 annually for pensioners—significantly higher than the current amount.
The campaign has gained significant momentum, especially with the approaching 26 July 2025 deadline. Let’s dive into the details and see if you are eligible for this £549 weekly pension.
Current Pension Rates vs. Proposed £549 Pension
The current State Pension rates are considerably lower than the £549 per week proposed by the petition. According to the UK government’s Triple Lock system, pensions are set to rise based on the highest of inflation, wage growth, or 2.5%. However, despite these increases, the current pensions still fall short of what is being demanded.
| Type | Weekly Rate (2024–25) | Weekly Rate (April 2025) | Annual Rate (2025) | Gap from £28,554 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New State Pension | £221.20 | £230.25 | £11,973 | -£16,581 |
| Basic State Pension | £169.50 | £176.45 | £9,175.40 | -£19,378.84 |
As seen in the table, even after the rise in April 2025, the current pensions are still far below the proposed £549 per week, leaving a significant gap.
Eligibility Criteria
The proposed £549 weekly pension would benefit several groups, including:
- Everyone aged 60 and above who currently resides in the UK.
- British pensioners living abroad, many of whom are currently receiving frozen pensions due to the lack of social security agreements between the UK and the countries they reside in. The proposal would affect an estimated 453,000 British expats, addressing a long-standing issue of pensions being frozen unfairly for those living overseas.
The aim of the proposal is to ensure that all individuals aged 60 or over, whether in the UK or abroad, receive a fair pension that aligns with their living costs.
Key Demands of the Petition
The petition outlines several key reforms to improve the State Pension system:
- Lower Pension Age: Reducing the eligibility age for State Pension to 60.
- £549 Weekly Pension: Aligning pension payments to 48 hours of work at the current National Living Wage of £11.44 per hour.
- Inclusion of Expats: Ending the pension freeze for British citizens living abroad, allowing them to receive the full pension.
- Wage-Linked Pension Growth: Ensuring that pensions increase annually in line with the National Living Wage.
- System Overhaul: Shifting the perception of pensions from a minimal benefit to a necessary income for a dignified retirement.
Why Link Pensions to the National Living Wage?
Advocates of the petition argue that linking the State Pension to the National Living Wage is a fairer and future-proof solution. As wages rise with inflation and changes in the economy, pensions should be adjusted accordingly to maintain their real-world value. This ensures that pensioners are not left behind as the cost of living continues to increase.
By tying pensions to the National Living Wage, the government would be able to implement a structured, wage-based system that adjusts in real-time to economic changes. This would prevent the long-term stagnation of pension income and provide greater financial security for retirees.
The campaign for a £549 weekly State Pension for those aged 60 and over is gaining momentum, with over 22,649 signatures already gathered. The proposed changes could provide substantial financial relief for pensioners, ensuring that their income reflects the real cost of living.
With support for expats, wage-linked increases, and a more equitable system, the petition is calling for a shift in how pensions are structured in the UK. If this petition reaches 100,000 signatures, it could spark a debate in Parliament that could change the lives of millions of pensioners across the country.
If you believe in this cause, support the petition today and help ensure that future generations of retirees are provided the financial security they deserve.
FAQs
How much would I receive if the petition passes?
If the petition is successful and the proposal is adopted, you could receive £549 per week, which equals £28,554 per year. This is a significant increase compared to the current State Pension, which stands at around £230 per week.
Who is eligible for the £549 weekly pension?
The proposal is aimed at individuals aged 60 and over, both in the UK and those living abroad. It also includes British expats whose pensions have been frozen due to the lack of social security agreements with their residing countries.
What do I need to do to benefit from the proposed pension increase?
Currently, the proposal is still a petition. To make it eligible for debate in Parliament, it needs to gather 100,000 signatures by the 26 July 2025 deadline. If it gains enough support, Parliament will discuss the possibility of implementing the £549 weekly pension.