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The annual State Pension hike in April won't be paid to nearly half a million state pensioners. Under the Department for Work and Pensions, or DWP , Triple Lock policy, State Pensions increase each year. The payments increase 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% But nearly half a million people over the state pension age will not be eligible for the increase. It's estimated that 453,000 pensioners are living in a country which lacks a reciprocal agreement with the Labour Party government, resulting in them not receiving the annual State Pension uprating. READ MORE Free bus passes could be extended to one group of under 66s The End Frozen Pensions campaign opposes Regulation 3 of the Social Security Benefits Up-Rating Regulations 2025, which denies the 2025 UK state pension increase to pensioners residing outside the United Kingdom and certain other countries. The UK state pension is up-rated annually under the ‘triple lock’—the highest of earnings growth, inflation, or 2.5%. However, only pensioners in the UK or in countries with reciprocal agreements (e.g., the EU, USA, Turkey, and the Philippines) receive these increases. Each year, this legislation freezes pensions for British pensioners in non-agreement countries, primarily Commonwealth nations like Canada and Australia. Their pensions remain at the rate first received. Stats show there are a whopping 442,000 ‘frozen’ pensioners. The End Frozen Pensions campaign calls for forward-only unfreezing of pensions. Despite government estimates, the actual cost would be £57 million in 2025/26 (0.04% of the UK pension budget). £242.6 million over five years (0.14% of total pension costs) with no reciprocal agreements required. The End Frozen Pensions Campaign is a volunteer-run, non-profit campaign advocating for an end to the frozen pensions policy. Its founding members are British Pensions in Australia Inc., a charity, and Canadian Alliance of British Pensioners, a non-profit. In addition to promoting the end of the frozen pensions policy, these organizations provide information and assistance to members relating their UK pension.
