In a surprising yet encouraging update, state pensioners are seeing an additional £94 per year added to their payments, as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) releases new data showing that the gender pension gap is narrowing significantly.
According to the latest report, the average weekly state pension payment for newly retired men now stands at £209.95, while women are receiving £208.15—just a £1.80 weekly difference, which equals £93.60 annually.
This is a notable improvement from past years and reflects positive changes in how the UK government handles retirement income equality.
What Is the Gender Pension Gap?
The gender pension gap refers to the difference in pension income received by men and women during retirement. Historically, women have received lower state pensions due to:
- Career breaks for childcare
- Lower average earnings
- Part-time work
- Gaps in National Insurance contributions
This gap has led to long-term financial inequality, with many older women living on significantly reduced pension payments.
Current State Pension Payment Disparities
| Group | Weekly Pension | Annual Pension | Difference from Other Gender |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men (New Retirees) | £209.95 | £10,916.60 | — |
| Women (New Retirees) | £208.15 | £10,823.80 | -£93.60 |
This £94 boost in annual pension for women reflects how the gap is closing, and for those retiring now, gender-based disparities in state pension amounts are nearly eliminated.
Expert Reactions: “A Victory in Progress”
Sir Steve Webb, former Pensions Minister and architect of the Triple Lock, welcomed the progress but stressed that many retired women are still underpaid.
He emphasized that while new retirees are benefitting from pension equality, existing pensioners—especially older women—continue to face inequality and errors in past pension calculations.
“The battle against the gender pension gap is nearly won for those retiring today,” Sir Steve stated.
“But we must ensure older women who were shortchanged in the past receive what they are rightfully owed.”
Helen Morrissey, from Hargreaves Lansdown, echoed this view, pointing to systemic issues like:
- Lack of affordable childcare
- Poor access to flexible working arrangements
- Insufficient pension awareness for women during working years
What Is the Triple Lock?
Introduced during Sir Steve Webb’s tenure in government, the Triple Lock ensures that the state pension increases annually by the highest of three measures:
- 2.5%
- Inflation rate
- Average earnings growth
This mechanism has been instrumental in raising the basic state pension over time, helping narrow the gender gap among retirees.
DWP Action: Addressing Pension Inequality
The DWP has acknowledged past underpayments—particularly affecting women who reached State Pension age before 2016. Campaigners and legal experts continue to press the government to:
- Review past pension calculations
- Reimburse underpaid pensioners
- Improve awareness of entitlements
The recent £94 annual increase for women pensioners is a positive step forward in tackling gender inequality in retirement. While new retirees are nearly on par, the DWP still faces pressure to correct historic underpayments and reform policies to better support women throughout their working lives.
With growing momentum for fair treatment and wider pension reforms, now is the time for all pensioners to review their entitlements and ensure they’re not missing out on benefits they’ve earned.
FAQs
Why are men receiving more in state pension than women?
Historically, men had fewer career breaks and higher lifetime earnings, resulting in larger National Insurance contributions.
Will women pensioners automatically get the £94 increase?
The £94 is an average annual difference for new retirees. It reflects the narrowed gender gap, not an added bonus payment.
How can older pensioners check for underpayment?
They can contact the DWP Pension Service or speak with a pension advisor to review their claim history and payments.