Retirement proves considerably more financially manageable for couples than for those living alone, according to fresh analysis.
The research reveals that pensioner couples receiving two full State Pensions actually end up with £3,495 more than they need annually to meet the minimum retirement living standard.
Single retirees face a starkly different picture, requiring an additional £852 each year beyond their full State Pension to achieve the same basic threshold.
Much like solo travellers paying room supplements, individual pensioners bear the full burden of living costs without a partner to share expenses.
The full State Pension for 2026/27 stands at £12,548, meaning couples together receive £25,095 annually from the state.
New figures from Just Group examining Pensions UK retirement living standards calculated that a single pensioner requires £13,400 annually to meet the minimum retirement standard, while couples need £21,600.
For those aspiring to a moderate lifestyle, the income requirements jump substantially to £31,700 for individuals and £43,900 for couples.
A comfortable retirement demands even more: £43,900 for single pensioners and £60,600 for those in partnerships.
The disparity in private savings needed becomes particularly striking at higher living standards.
Bridging the £852 gap for single pensioners would necessitate building a private pension pot of approximately £50,000.
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GETTYSingle retirees must generate £19,152 from their own resources to reach moderate comfort, whereas couples require only marginally more at £18,804 despite their higher overall income target.
At the comfortable level, individuals need £31,352 from private sources compared to £35,504 for couples, demonstrating how shared State Pension income significantly reduces the savings burden for partnerships.
Emma Walker, director at Just Group, said: “The message in the figures is that a full State Pension goes a long way to helping people achieve the minimum income needed in retirement, but after that people are on their own.”
Single retirees must generate £19,152 from their own resources to reach moderate comfort
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GETTYShe explained that bridging the £852 gap for single pensioners would necessitate building a private pension pot of approximately £50,000.
“A single pensioner needs £852 more income after tax on top of a full State Pension to reach the minimum standard generating that amount would require a private pension pot of around £50,000,” Ms Walker noted.
“In contrast, the income a couple receives from two full State Pensions exceeds the minimum standard without needing private pensions at all.”
Ms Walker highlighted that couples benefit from sharing expenses that single retirees must cover entirely themselves.
However, Ms Walker cautioned that couples must consider what happens when one partner passes away, leaving the survivor to manage all household costs independently.
Ms Walker emphasised that most retirees want more than just the bare minimum, reinforcing why accumulating private pension savings throughout working life remains crucial
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GETTY“Couples can share costs that singles are forced to pay on their own. But it is important to remember that when one person in a couple dies, the remaining partner becomes single and will have to foot all the bills for themselves,” she said.
Ms Walker emphasised that most retirees want more than just the bare minimum, reinforcing why accumulating private pension savings throughout working life remains crucial.
She recommended couples incorporate joint-life income solutions into their retirement strategies to protect the surviving partner from financial hardship.
Those seeking guidance on generating retirement income can access free, impartial support through the government-backed Pension Wise service or consult a regulated financial adviser.
