Britons approaching retirement should brace for a shake-up in their benefit entitlements, according to a guide published by the Mirror. Reaching State Pension age, currently set at 66, automatically closes the door on a string of working-age payments.
The State Pension age is scheduled to rise to 67 between 2026 and 2028, with a further increase to 68 pencilled in for the 2040s. Anyone crossing the threshold is moved off the working-age benefits system and onto retirement support.
Jobseeker's Allowance is among the first to go. The payment, intended for people who are out of work and actively job-hunting, is only available below State Pension age. Income Support stops at the same point, along with contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance.
Universal Credit is another major change. New claims are not usually accepted from people who have reached State Pension age, and existing claimants are gradually moved across to Pension Credit. Couples where only one partner has hit retirement age must still claim Universal Credit until both qualify.
Pension Credit takes over for many low-income retirees, topping up weekly income to a guaranteed minimum. The Department for Work and Pensions encourages older people to check eligibility, since the payment also unlocks help with council tax, NHS costs and Cold Weather Payments.
Disability support shifts too. Personal Independence Payment can continue for those already claiming it, but new applicants over State Pension age are directed towards Attendance Allowance instead. The two payments serve a similar purpose but have different rules.
Age UK and other charities regularly warn that billions of pounds in Pension Credit and related top-ups go unclaimed every year. The charity advises anyone nearing retirement to use the official benefits calculator on GOV.UK before assuming they will not qualify.