New State Pension demand would give £610 a week from age 60

More than 5,000 people have backed a petition calling for a universal State Pension from age 60 worth £610.08 a week. <i>(Image: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)</i>
More than 5,000 people have backed a petition calling for a universal State Pension from age 60 worth £610.08 a week. (Image: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)
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A petition calling for the State Pension to be paid from the age of 60 has attracted more than 5,000 signatures as campaigners demand a major overhaul of the current system.

The petition, created by Denver Johnson, is calling on the Government to make the State Pension available to everyone from their 60th birthday.

It also wants payments to be linked to the National Living Wage, with the campaign proposing a pension equivalent to 48 hours of work at the National Living Wage.

Te petition closes today, but can still be signed here.

According to the petition, this would mean a universal State Pension of £610.08 a week, or around £31,724 a year.

The campaign argues that the State Pension should provide greater financial security for older people and says it should be available as a right to everyone aged 60 and over, including expatriates.

It comes amid continued debate over the State Pension age, which is currently rising for millions of people.

What is your State Pension age?

Your State Pension age is the earliest age you can start receiving your State Pension. It may be different to the age you can access your private pension.

The gov.uk site has a free tool to check:

  • when you’ll reach State Pension age
  • your Pension Credit qualifying age
  • when you’ll be eligible for free bus travel

The petition argues that the Government is moving towards making the State Pension increasingly difficult to access by raising the age at which people become eligible.

It calls for the system to be reformed so that people can claim from 60 and receive an amount linked to the National Living Wage.

The petition states: "We want reforms to the State Pension, so that it is available to all including expatriates, from age 60, and linked to the National Living Wage, for security."

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