UK DWP says retirees must claim state pension or lose £965 a month

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reminded UK retirees that the state pension is not paid automatically; individuals must submit a claim. Those who fail to claim could miss about £965 a month (£241 a week) of pension payments. To apply, claimants need details such as recent marriage, civil partnership, divorce, and any periods living or working abroad, along with banking information.

Conservative‑linked think‑tank Prosper UK urged the government to replace the existing “triple lock” pension‑increase guarantee with a “smoothed earnings link” metric. The proposal claims it could free up to £20.6 billion a year by 2050, funds that supporters say should be redirected to defence spending and other priorities. The debate highlights tension between protecting retirees’ income and reallocating public resources.