The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is facing mounting criticism for a benefit regulation that is reportedly penalising state pensioners who have younger partners, leaving thousands of couples financially disadvantaged by up to £7,000 each year. This controversial policy, known as the 'mixed-age couples rule', is being described as a system that unfairly punishes individuals for their personal relationships.
A Flawed System Impacting Thousands
Current DWP regulations stipulate that couples can only claim pension credit when both partners have reached the state pension age. This means that if one partner is younger, the couple is ineligible for this crucial financial support, regardless of the older partner's age. Charity organisation Independent Age has highlighted that this rule is affecting over 60,000 low-income retirees across the United Kingdom, with many being pushed into poverty as a result.
Data analysis reveals that affected couples are losing an average of £5,900 annually, with some experiencing even more severe financial shortfalls of approximately £7,000. Joanna Elson CBE, chief executive of Independent Age, has been vocal in her condemnation of the policy, stating that it creates a situation where two people of the same age can be treated completely differently based solely on their partner's age.
Real-Life Consequences for Couples
The human impact of this regulation is becoming increasingly apparent through personal testimonies from affected individuals. Andy Cressey from Goole explained that when he retires in 2028, he and his partner June, who is three years younger, will face significant financial challenges. Under current rules, June would need to claim Universal Credit, with Andy's state pension being deducted pound for pound from her entitlement.
"This effectively means we will both have to live off my State Pension," Andy revealed. "I have also discovered that if we were to live apart, the Council would pay my full rent and council tax as I would be a pensioner, and my partner would have a full claim with Universal Credit. So we would actually be better off financially if we did not live together, which is completely absurd. The system is bonkers to say the least."
Calls for Policy Reform
Independent Age is urging the UK Government to reverse the mixed-age couples rule, advocating for a system that would allow couples to claim pensioner benefits once the older partner reaches state pension age. The charity argues that while couples in this situation can technically receive Universal Credit, this benefit is not designed to meet the specific needs of people above state pension age.
Joanna Elson emphasised: "While couples in this situation can receive Universal Credit, it is not designed to meet the needs of people above State Pension age." This sentiment is echoed by affected individuals like Eddie Burns, a 70-year-old from Liverpool whose partner is 65. "We are both disabled and only just keeping our heads above water," he explained. "I have tried to claim Pension Credit several times and have been informed I cannot. I think this is very unfair."
The growing chorus of criticism suggests that this DWP policy may require urgent review to prevent further financial hardship among vulnerable pensioner households across the country.
