DWP lowering state pension age to 60 for State Pensioners: A new petition is gaining attention in the UK, calling for the State Pension age to be lowered to 60 for some disabled people. The idea is to let elderly, long-term unemployed disabled individuals retire earlier and get financial support sooner.
Let’s look at what the petition says, who started it, and what it could mean for the future of state pensions.
What the Petition Is Asking For
The petition, hosted on the UK Government and Parliament petitions website, is asking for a change in the rules. It wants the government to allow disabled people aged 60 and over—who have been unemployed for five years or more—to start claiming their State Pension immediately.
The petition says that making these people stay on unemployment lists when they are clearly unlikely to work again is unfair and creates more stress for both the individuals and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
The creator argues that after age 60, many disabled people are no longer considered employable, so it’s better to give them the option to retire with dignity.
How Many People Have Signed It?
The petition has already gathered its first 300 signatures. While this is just the beginning, the numbers are expected to rise. Petitions need 10,000 signatures for the government to give a formal response. If it reaches 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.
The petition was started by George Bolgar and will stay open until 6 November 2025, giving it plenty of time to gain more support.
Current State Pension Rules in the UK
At the moment, you can only claim your State Pension once you reach your official State Pension age. This age is currently 66, but it is set to rise in future years.
There are two types of State Pension in the UK:
- Basic State Pension: For men born before 6 April 1951 and women born before 6 April 1953.
- New State Pension: For those born after those dates.
To receive either pension, you must have enough qualifying years of National Insurance contributions.
You are not forced to retire at State Pension age. Many people choose to keep working after 66, and there’s no default retirement age anymore.
Why This Petition Matters
The petition raises a serious point: many disabled people over 60 have limited or no chance of finding a job, yet they are still required to stay on unemployment benefits. This can cause financial stress, mental health issues, and extra pressure on the DWP.
Allowing early access to the State Pension for these people could give them financial relief and a better quality of life, while also reducing the workload on government services.
It also brings attention to a wider issue—whether the State Pension age should be flexible based on a person’s health, ability to work, or employment history.
This petition could spark important changes if it gains more support. While 300 signatures is a small start, the campaign has time to grow. If the number of backers reaches 10,000, the government will respond. At 100,000, it might be debated in Parliament, possibly leading to real change in how the UK supports its ageing and disabled population.
For many people over 60 with disabilities and no hope of returning to work, early pension access could mean less stress, better health, and more financial security in their final working years or early retirement.
Source: https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/cost-of-living/update-over-dwp-lowering-state-31664295
FAQ
What does the petition call for?
It requests that disabled people aged 60 or above, who have been unemployed for five years or more, be allowed to claim the State Pension early.
How many signatures are needed for a government response?
The petition needs 10,000 signatures to receive an official response from the UK government.
What happens if the petition reaches 100,000 signatures?
If it reaches 100,000 signatures, the petition will be considered for a debate in Parliament.
Who started the petition and when does it end?
It was started by George Bolgar and is open until 6 November 2025.
Who currently qualifies for the State Pension?
You must reach the State Pension age and have enough National Insurance qualifying years. The current age is 66.
I am so sad for all pensioners with new rules affecting, everyone claiming benefits and I was a supporter of the labour party from age 17 years until I was 79.