While millions of pensioners across the UK will get rise in their income in April new figures show almost half a million people have been deemed ‘not eligible’
Linda Howard Money and Consumer Writer and Kieran Isgin Money & Lifestyle writer
00:01, 21 Sep 2025
Many pensioners will miss out on an income boost(Image: Getty Images)
The most recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) suggests that the annual State Pension increase is set to be determined by earnings growth, currently at 4.7 per cent (including bonuses), while the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate stands at 3.8 per cent.
Under the Triple Lock mechanism, State Pensions rise 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 per cent. The September CPI will be announced on 22 October.
However, whilst millions of pensioners across the UK can anticipate a payment increase in April next year, nearly half a million people of State Pension age will not be eligible for the rise. It’s estimated that 453,000 pensioners live in a country that doesn’t have a reciprocal agreement with the government, meaning they won’t receive the annual State Pension increase, despite having made the necessary National Insurance Contributions to qualify for the State Pension.
Vigorous campaigning by the ‘End Frozen Pensions’ campaign has included 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 reconsider the policy. Many expats are receiving a significantly smaller State Pension than those living in Scotland, England, Wales or Northern Ireland, reports the Daily Record.
Campaigners had been optimistic that the appointment of former Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, as Canadian Prime Minister earlier this year, would initiate discussions with the UK Government regarding an issue affecting over 100,000 expats residing in Canada. The State Pension is frozen at the point of emigration for individuals predominantly living in Commonwealth countries such as Canada and Australia.
However, retirees residing in the USA or EU countries are entitled to the same considerations related to their State Pension as if they had remained in the UK. A significant proportion of the affected pensioners (49%) receive £65 per week or less, with an estimated 86 per cent of all expats not being informed that their State Pension would be frozen.
Campaigners have highlighted that some pensioners receive as little as £20.00 a week. More information about the End Frozen Pensions Campaign can be found on their website.
The New and Basic State Pension saw an increase of 4.7 per cent 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.
Predictions for the State Pension uprating for 2026/27
The Triple Lock is currently set to be determined by the earnings growth element of 4.7 per cent (including bonuses). The CPI for September will be published on October 22 and is forecasted to be 4 per cent.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to confirm the annual uprating at the Autumn Budget on 26 November. A 4.7 per cent increase on the current State Pension would result in recipients receiving the following amounts:
Full New State PensionWeekly: £241.05 (from £230.25)Four-weekly pay period: £964.20Annual amount: £12,534Full Basic State PensionWeekly: £184.75 (from £176.45)Four-weekly pay period: £739Annual amount: £9,607