People reaching State Pension age can no longer claim certain benefits, according to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The State Pension now supports 13.2 million people across Great Britain, including over 1.1 million in Scotland. Payments are up to £241.30 per week for the New State Pension (post-April 6, 2016) or £184.90 for the Basic State Pension (Category A or B). The amount depends on National Insurance years accrued, with a minimum of 10 years needed to qualify. The State Pension age is rising from 66 to 67, with those born between March 6, 1961, and April 5, 1977, claiming at 67. A further rise to 68 is planned for the mid-2040s.
Benefits Affected by Pension Age
Turn2us provides a guide to benefits you cannot claim after reaching State Pension age or Pension Credit age. At Pension Credit age, you can no longer claim Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Income Support, or Universal Credit. If you live with a partner of different ages, entitlement can be complex.
Benefits Stopped at State Pension Age
- Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
- Contributory/New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- New claims for Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) in Scotland
- Bereavement Support Payment and Widowed Parent’s Allowance
However, if you were already receiving DLA, PIP, or ADP, you can renew the claim for the same health conditions if your last claim ended less than 12 months before reaching State Pension age.
Benefits You Can Still Claim
You can claim Child Benefit, Carer's Allowance, Guardian's Allowance, and Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) even after State Pension age. Other benefits depend on income: 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), Warm Home Discount Scheme, Winter Fuel Payment, and Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (Scotland).
