A new online petition is urging the UK Government to lower the State Pension age for people with disabilities who are aged over 60 and have been unemployed for at least five years. The aim is to give them the option to retire early and claim their State Pension immediately, rather than waiting until they reach the official pension age.
What the Petition Is Demanding
The petition, created by George Bolgar, says that people aged 60 or older who are disabled and unable to find work should not be forced to stay on unemployment benefits. Instead, they should be allowed to retire with dignity and begin receiving their pension early.
The statement reads:
“We think that any disabled person aged 60 who has been unemployed for at least five years should be given the choice to retire and claim the State Pension immediately.”
The petition is based on the argument that many people in this group are unlikely to find work again and keeping them on job-seeking benefits only adds unnecessary pressure to both the government and the individuals.
Why the Petition Matters
As of now, the State Pension age in the UK is 66 for both men and women. However, this is changing soon. Between 2026 and 2028, the pension age will rise to 67, affecting people born between March 6, 1961 and April 5, 1977.
For many disabled individuals who are out of work, reaching this new pension age may feel out of reach. The petition argues that forcing them to wait longer, especially when they have little chance of finding employment, is unfair and causes mental and financial stress.
The petition also highlights the growing concern that keeping older, disabled jobseekers on the DWP’s unemployment list is not effective, as their chances of returning to work are extremely low. Instead, allowing early retirement would reduce paperwork and offer a better quality of life for those affected.
State Pension Age Changes: What You Need to Know
The current State Pension age is 66, but it’s set to increase to 67 gradually between 2026 and 2028. People born within the affected date range will receive official communication from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) about when they can expect to receive their pension.
Another increase, from 67 to 68, is also planned between 2044 and 2046. These changes are part of long-term pension reform under the Pensions Act 2014, aimed at managing the growing demands on the UK’s public pension system.
What Happens If the Petition Gains Support?
If the petition reaches 10,000 signatures, the UK Government must respond formally. If it gathers 100,000 signatures, the Petitions Committee in Parliament may debate it.
So far, the petition has already begun attracting attention online, especially among disability rights groups and people nearing retirement age who feel the current system is too rigid and unfair for those with health challenges.
This petition touches on an important issue – whether older, unemployed disabled individuals should be given the right to retire early and claim their State Pension. As the pension age rises and more people are affected by long-term health problems, many believe this change would bring dignity, relief, and fairness to a vulnerable group of citizens. Whether or not the government agrees remains to be seen, but public support could help bring the issue to the table in Parliament.
FAQs
What does the petition ask for?
The petition requests that disabled people aged 60 and over who have been unemployed for at least five years be allowed to claim the State Pension immediately.
What is the current UK State Pension age?
As of now, the State Pension age in the UK is 66 for both men and women. It will increase to 67 between 2026 and 2028.
Who created the petition?
The petition was started by George Bolgar, who argues that the current system is unfair to older disabled individuals who are unlikely to find work again.
What happens if the petition gets 10,000 signatures?
If the petition reaches 10,000 signatures, the UK Government must provide an official response. At 100,000 signatures, it may be debated in Parliament.
Why is the petition important?
It aims to reduce stress and provide financial stability for disabled people over 60 who are unlikely to find work before retirement age.
