As the UK Government moves forward with major changes to welfare benefits, campaigners are now urging a rethink on state pension rules. A growing number of voices are calling for the state pension age to be lowered for unemployed and disabled people, especially ahead of the upcoming changes to the retirement system and welfare cuts.
This issue has gained attention following the launch of a new petition and growing concerns about how the latest Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) cuts could harm the most vulnerable groups.
What Is the Petition About?
A petition started by George Bolgar is asking the Labour Government to allow disabled people aged 60 and over who have been unemployed for at least five years to access their state pension early. The idea behind this petition is to give these individuals the chance to retire and avoid the stress of continuing to seek employment when it’s unlikely they’ll be hired again.
Bolgar explains that keeping older, long-term unemployed disabled people on the jobseeker list creates extra work for the DWP and causes extra stress for the individuals. The campaign highlights that once someone reaches the age of 60, especially if disabled and unemployed, their chances of finding work drop significantly.
DWP Cuts and the Impact on Disabled People
This push comes as the DWP is facing serious criticism for cutting £5 billion from Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP). These cuts have been slammed by charities, MPs, and anti-poverty groups who believe they could worsen poverty among disabled Britons.
With financial support shrinking and job opportunities limited for older disabled people, campaigners say early access to the state pension could be a fair and practical solution.
State Pension Age: What’s Changing?
Right now, the state pension age is 66 for both men and women. But that’s set to change. According to Government plans:
- The state pension age will rise to 67 between 2026 and 2028
- It is expected to go up again to 68 between 2044 and 2046
These increases are based on economic factors and life expectancy, but some experts are now questioning whether further rises are justifiable, especially as life expectancy in the UK is no longer improving steadily.
Concerns About Long-Term Affordability
The Government is also worried about how much the state pension will cost in the future. According to the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), spending on pensions could rise to 8% of the UK’s GDP by 2072/73.
To control this, experts are suggesting:
- Reforming the triple lock (the formula used to decide yearly increases)
- Or raising the state pension age further
But campaigners argue that this kind of response unfairly affects those who are already struggling, especially older, unemployed, and disabled people.
What Needs to Happen for the Petition?
As of now, the petition has only 90 signatures. However, it needs:
- 10,000 signatures for the Government to officially respond
- 100,000 signatures to be debated in Parliament
The deadline to reach these goals is 6 November 2025.
Campaigners are urging more people to sign and share the petition so that the concerns of older disabled people are heard and taken seriously by the Government.
Final Thoughts
As the cost of living rises and benefits shrink, many disabled and unemployed Britons over 60 are feeling left behind. While the Government looks for ways to save money, campaigners say it’s vital to balance financial responsibility with compassion. Lowering the state pension age for this group could ease stress, reduce the pressure on welfare services, and offer a fair path to retirement for those unlikely to return to work.
FAQs
Who started the petition to lower the state pension age?
The petition was started by George Bolgar, who is calling for disabled people aged 60 and over who are unemployed to be allowed early access to their state pension.
What is the goal of the petition?
The petition asks the Government to let disabled people over 60 who have been unemployed for five or more years retire early and receive their state pension.
How many signatures are needed for the petition to be debated in Parliament?
To be considered for debate in Parliament, the petition must reach 100,000 signatures by November 6, 2025.
What changes are being made to the state pension age?
The UK Government plans to raise the state pension age from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028, and then to 68 between 2044 and 2046.
Why are DWP cuts causing concern for disabled Britons?
The £5 billion in cuts to Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) may leave disabled people with less support, increasing the risk of poverty.
