Brits are being reminded that upon reaching State Pension age, they will lose eligibility for certain benefits. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reports that 13.2 million people in Great Britain currently receive the State Pension, which provides up to £241.30 per week for the New State Pension (post-April 2016) or £184.90 for the Basic State Pension (Category A or B).
State Pension Age Changes
The State Pension age is gradually rising from 66 to 67. Those born between March 6, 1961, and April 5, 1977, can claim at 67. A further rise to 68 is planned for the mid-2040s. Your State Pension age also determines your Pension Credit qualifying age, unless you are a man born before December 6, 1953.
Benefits No Longer Available at Pension Credit Age
When you reach Pension Credit age, you cannot claim:
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Universal Credit
If you live with a partner and one is pension age, benefit entitlement can be complex. Use the Turn2us benefit calculator or consult an adviser.
Benefits No Longer Available at State Pension Age
When you reach State Pension age, you cannot claim:
- Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
- Contributory/New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
You cannot make a new claim for Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) after reaching State Pension age. However, if you were already receiving these, you can renew if the claim is for the same conditions and your last claim ended less than 12 months before you reached State Pension age. Bereavement Support Payment and Widowed Parent’s Allowance also stop.
Benefits Still Available After State Pension Age
You can still claim:
- Child Benefit (from HMRC)
- Carer’s Allowance (may be reduced if State Pension income is high)
- Guardian’s Allowance
- Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
Subject to income thresholds, you may also claim:
- Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Support
- Support for Mortgage Interest
- Help with Health Costs
- Winter Heating Payment (Scotland only)
- Cold Weather Payment (England and Wales only)
- Warm Home Discount Scheme
- Winter Fuel Payment
- Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (Scotland only)
For full details, visit the Turn2us website.
