The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is implementing a phased increase in the state pension age from 66 to 67, which directly affects the qualifying age for three key benefits: Attendance Allowance, Pension Credit, and the State Pension itself. The change began in April 2026 and will be fully rolled out by April 2028, with individuals born in specific months facing adjusted waiting periods.
State Pension Age Increase Details
Under the new schedule, people born in July must now wait until they are 66 years and 4 months old to claim their state pension. The staggered rollout will continue until next April, when the state pension age reaches 67 for all affected cohorts. This means thousands of people in their mid-60s who turn 67 over the next 12 months will also see changes to when they can claim certain other benefits.
Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance is a benefit for people over State Pension age who have a disability or illness severe enough to require help with care. To qualify, you must have needed help for at least 6 months (unless you are terminally ill). You cannot usually get Attendance Allowance if you live in a care home and your care is paid for by your local authority. There are two rates: a lower rate if you need help either during the day or at night, and a higher rate if you need help both day and night. The amount you receive does not depend on your income or savings.
Pension Credit
Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit that tops up your weekly income if you are on a low income, and can also help with housing costs. If you get Attendance Allowance, you could receive extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Reduction. Additional help may be available if you are a carer, severely disabled, or responsible for a child or young person. Pension Credit is separate from your State Pension, and you can get it even if you have other income, savings, or own your own home.
State Pension
The State Pension is a regular payment from the government that you may receive once you reach the State Pension age, to help support you in retirement. Currently, both men and women can claim this from age 66, but for those born after 5 April 1960, the age will rise gradually each month—by one month at a time—until it reaches 67 in April 2028. It will eventually rise to 68, affecting those born after April 1977. To receive the minimum amount of State Pension, you need 10 years of National Insurance Contributions; 35 'qualifying' years are required to receive the maximum amount.
According to the DWP's guidance on the government website, these changes are part of a broader adjustment to pension ages in response to increasing life expectancy. The full list of affected benefits includes Attendance Allowance, Pension Credit, and the State Pension, with the qualifying age for each tied to the state pension age.
