The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that 13.2 million people across Great Britain currently receive the State Pension, including over 1.1 million in Scotland. The New State Pension, for those who reached pension age after April 6, 2016, is worth up to £241.30 per week, while the Basic State Pension (Category A or B) provides up to £184.90 per week.
However, reaching State Pension age means losing eligibility to claim certain benefits. According to Turn2us, a benefits guidance charity, 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. In Scotland, ADP has replaced PIP for new and existing claims. Existing claimants can renew their award if they are claiming for the same health conditions and their last claim ended less than 12 months before reaching pension age.
Bereavement Support Payment and Widowed Parent’s Allowance are also unavailable once you reach State Pension age. However, you can still claim other benefits such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, and Council Tax Reduction, subject to income thresholds. The State Pension age is currently rising from 66 to 67, with a further increase to 68 planned for the mid-2040s.
For a full list of benefits you can and cannot claim, visit the Turn2us website or use their benefits calculator. The DWP advises checking your State Pension age on GOV.UK to determine eligibility for Pension Credit.
