Four Key DWP Benefits Scrapped for State Pensioners Born Before 1960
State pensioners born before 1960 are set to lose access to four crucial Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits once they reach the state pension age threshold. Currently, the state pension applies to individuals aged 66, which includes those born before 1960. However, upon hitting this milestone, a range of welfare payments and benefits become unavailable, as highlighted in an essential guide from the charity Turn2us.
Benefits No Longer Claimable at State Pension Age
When you reach State Pension age, you can no longer claim the following DWP benefits:
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Universal Credit
Turn2us warns that benefit entitlement can become particularly complicated for couples where one partner is of pension age and the other is not. Universal Credit, New Style Jobseeker's Allowance, and Contributory and New Style Employment and Support Allowance all cease upon reaching State Pension age.
Disability Benefits and Renewal Rules
Additionally, you cannot make a new claim for Disability Living Allowance (DWP), Adult Disability Payment, or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) once you have reached State Pension age. However, if you were already claiming DWP, Adult Disability Payment, or PIP, you can renew the claim even if you are over State Pension age, provided you are claiming for the same health conditions and your last claim ended less than one year ago. Note that DWP claimants born before 8 April 1948 will not be transferred to PIP, while other claimants will undergo this transition.
Other Affected and Available Benefits
Bereavement Support Payment and Widowed Parent’s Allowance are also unavailable once you reach State Pension age. Despite these restrictions, state pensioners and retirees can still claim certain benefits even if they are over State Pension age, including:
- Child Benefit
- Carer’s Allowance or Carer Support Payment
- Guardian’s Allowance
- Statutory Sick Pay
Furthermore, you can claim these benefits if your income is low enough:
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Support
- Support for Mortgage Interest
- Cold Weather Payment
- Warm Home Discount Scheme
- Winter Heating Payment
This comprehensive overview underscores the importance for pre-1960 born pensioners to review their benefit entitlements carefully as they approach retirement age.
