The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) provides the State Pension to over 13 million people across Great Britain, offering vital financial support. However, turning 66 — the current retirement age — marks a turning point in eligibility for a range of other welfare benefits.
Understanding these changes is essential for those approaching retirement, particularly given that many benefits are income-dependent and not automatically awarded. The benefit system becomes more complex if one partner is above pension age while the other is not, as eligibility rules differ in mixed-age households.
Benefits That Cease at State Pension Age
Upon reaching the State Pension age, people in the UK can no longer submit new claims for a number of income-related benefits, even if they would otherwise qualify financially. According to Turn2us, new claims for Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Universal Credit, and Income Support are no longer possible.
New applications for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) are also restricted after this age. However, if a person had previously received PIP and the award expired within the past year, they may be able to reclaim it — but only for the same health condition.
This restriction applies even in cases of financial need, meaning that individuals must rely on alternative forms of support available to pension-age citizens. Notably, the same age threshold applies to Pension Credit, although eligibility becomes more complex when only one member of a couple has reached retirement age.
These rules can significantly impact the financial options available to older adults, especially for those who experience a sudden drop in income upon retirement and are seeking transitional support.
Support That Remains Available After Retirement
While access to some benefits ends at State Pension age, others remain accessible — particularly for those on low incomes. According to the Daily Record, claimants can still access Carer’s Allowance, Statutory Sick Pay, Child Benefit, and Guardian’s Allowance, subject to individual circumstances.
Means-tested support such as Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support, Support for Mortgage Interest, and Help with Health Costs may also be available. Pensioners may continue to receive Winter Fuel Payments and qualify for the Warm Home Discount Scheme if they meet specific criteria, including entitlement to Pension Credit.
Although Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit are closed to new applicants, existing recipients can continue receiving them. In Scotland, the Cold Weather Payment has been replaced by the Winter Heating Payment.
