People reaching State Pension age can no longer make new claims for several key benefits, including Universal Credit, Jobseeker's Allowance, and Personal Independence Payment (PIP), according to guidance from Turn2us and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
The latest DWP figures show the State Pension now supports 13.2 million people across Great Britain, including over 1.1 million in Scotland. The New State Pension is worth up to £241.30 per week, while the Basic State Pension (Category A or B) provides up to £184.90 weekly. Entitlement depends on National Insurance contributions, with a minimum of 10 qualifying years needed to receive any State Pension.
State Pension Age Changes
The State Pension age is gradually rising from 66 to 67. People born between March 6, 1961, and April 5, 1977, will reach State Pension age at 67. This change has been in legislation since 2014, with a further rise to 68 planned for the mid-2040s. Your State Pension age is also your Pension Credit qualifying age, except for men born before December 6, 1953.
Benefits You Cannot Claim at Pension Credit Age
When you reach Pension Credit age, you can no longer claim:
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Universal Credit
Turn2us advises: "If you live with a partner and one of you is pension age and the other is not yet pension age, benefit entitlement can be complicated." The charity recommends using its benefit calculator or consulting a benefits adviser.
Benefits You Cannot Claim at State Pension Age
At State Pension age, you cannot make new claims for:
- Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
- Contributory/New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) – the devolved benefit in Scotland
- Bereavement Support Payment
- Widowed Parent's Allowance
However, if you were already receiving DLA, PIP, or ADP before reaching State Pension age, you can renew the claim for the same health conditions, provided your last claim ended less than 12 months before you reached State Pension age.
Benefits Not Affected by State Pension Age
You can still claim these benefits after reaching State Pension age:
- Child Benefit (from HMRC)
- Carer's Allowance (may be reduced if you receive State Pension)
- Guardian's Allowance
- Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
Additionally, you may qualify for means-tested support such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support, Support for Mortgage Interest, and help with health costs. Seasonal heating payments like Winter Fuel Payment, Cold Weather Payment, and Warm Home Discount Scheme are also available, with specific rules for Scotland.
