Older state pensioner couples are being left up to £112 per week worse off than younger, post-2016 state pensioners, thanks to a little-known DWP rule. The state pension is paid to all state pensioners once they reach state pension age and claim it, though the state pension age is currently rising from 66 to 67 and will rise again in future.
The gap in the pension system
There is a gap in the pension system between older and younger state pensioners, leaving older pensioner couples up to £112 worse off per week. An Express reader got in touch to point out an 'unfairness' in the current Pension Credit system, which means that older couples can't get access to support that single older pensioners can, and get less money than younger state pensioners too.
He pointed out that the gap between younger state pensions and older state pensions is growing, and for many, it can't be plugged by Pension Credit, the benefit that boosts pension income.
Reader's example
Michael Poat told the Express: “We have seen the difference go from circa £20 to circa £55. “We are informed it can be addressed by way of Pension Credit, which is just not true.
“The rules for claiming Pension Credit are such that it is virtually impossible to claim. Savings etc, all taken into account. If you check the eligibility requirements, you will see how difficult it is.
“The Government now describes the State Pension as a benefit, it is not what we all paid NI, the clue is in the name 'insurance' - the current system punishes us for being old.
“As an example, a couple with full NI contributions will receive the new rate of £241.30 each, making £482.60. A couple can't claim Pension Credit if their joint income exceeds £363.25; the current old rate is £184.90 each, making £369.80 - £6.55 over the limit. How iniquitous is that?”
Pension Credit limits
As Mr Poat points out, the basic state pension for older pensioners tops out at £184.90 for those with a full National Insurance record, while a younger, post-2016 state pensioner can get up to £241.30 per week.
Pension Credit is usually available to those who receive less than £238 per week, but for couples, the limit is a joint income of £363.25 per week. This means that an older state pension couple would, if both maximised their NI contributions, receive £6.55 more than the limit and would be unable to claim Pension Credit. Despite this, they would each be receiving less than the single pension credit limit of £238, and roughly £112 less than a younger couple with maximised NI (£369.80, not £482.90).
Savings Credit alternative
The DWP told the Express that Savings Credit is a way for older state pensioners to boost their income in old age. The Savings Credit element of Pension Credit is available to couples who receive more than £329.75 per week, and pays up to £20.10 per week for a couple, although it begins to reduce by 40% for every £1 above £369.80. Pensioners eligible for this would still be able to get a free TV Licence and Warm Home Discount, among other bonuses, too.
A DWP spokesperson said: "Supporting pensioners is a priority, and our commitment to the Triple Lock means millions will see their yearly State Pension rise by up to £2,100.
“Older pensioners may also be eligible for the Savings Credit part of Pension Credit, up to an additional £17.96 a week for single pensioners and up to £20.10 a week for those with a partner.”
“Thanks to our biggest ever Pension Credit take-up campaign, we have seen an additional 33,500 Pension Credit awards in 2025, worth on average £87 a week, for those who need extra support.”
