Nearly 450,000 elderly individuals in the UK will not benefit from the upcoming increase in the state pension next year. The state pension is anticipated to rise by 4.7% in April due to the triple lock policy, which ensures that the pension increases annually by the highest of inflation, wage growth, or 2.5%.
The Office for National Statistics has confirmed that average wage growth is at 4.7%, while inflation stands at 3.8%. This suggests that the state pension is likely to increase in line with wage growth. However, approximately 453,000 expatriate state pensioners residing in countries like Australia, New Zealand, and Canada will not receive the raise due to the absence of reciprocal agreements.
Individuals whose state pension is frozen will maintain the initial rate upon emigration but will see an increase upon returning to the UK. Only those living in the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, or countries with social security agreements with the UK (excluding Canada and New Zealand) will observe annual state pension increments while abroad.
If the 4.7% increase is confirmed, the full new state pension will rise from £230.25 to £241.05 per week in April 2026, amounting to over £560 annually. The old basic state pension is expected to increase from £176.45 to £184.75 per week. To receive the full state pension, most individuals need 35 qualifying years on their National Insurance record, with a minimum of ten years for any payout. State pensions are distributed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).