Many people could be missing out on DWP payments they are entitled to
Concerns have been raised about older people who live with a certain medical condition(Image: Getty)
Experts have voiced concerns about changes to the state pension qualifying rules. MPs discussed the risk of people “underclaiming” and not getting the full raft of DWP benefits they are entitled to.
From April 2026, the age you can start to claim your state pension will go up from the current 66, gradually moving up to 67 by April 2028. Policy experts fear the longer wait could have a major impact on some people, particularly who have medical conditions. The Work and Pensions Committee recently spoke about the increase in the state pension age. Joe Levenson, assistant director of UK Advocacy and Health Intelligence at charity Arthritis UK, told the MPs: “Everyday, 1,200 people are diagnosed with arthritis, and we know that a significant number of them are unable to work at some stage because of arthritis.
“Around half the people tell us that they struggle to work. Arthritis has an impact on their ability to be employed. That is the context for our worries about the transition to a higher state pension age.” He said the group had done a large survey of people with arthritis, which had some worrying findings.
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Mr Levenson said: “It showed that once people were over the state pension age, they were far less likely to report struggling to get by financially, and almost twice as likely to struggle to get by financially as the cohort immediately before state pension age. I think that speaks volumes.
“It shows we are failing people, and we are worried that people who live with arthritis and many other long-term health conditions are collateral damage in the changes that we have seen, including a rise in state pension age without mitigation.” He had some suggestions for what extra support should be offered to help people approaching retirement age.
Mr Levenson said: “Given we know that people approaching state pension age can be at greater risk of poverty, we need to focus on income. Part of that is making sure that people are aware of existing benefits that they can claim.
“We know that there is still underclaiming. We know that that is because of a lack of awareness, but the complications in the system can also be bewildering even to the most well-informed.”
What other benefits can people with arthritis claim?
One means of support for people living with arthritis of working age is PIP (Personal Independence Payment). You can claim this to help cover the extra costs of living with a long-term health condition, if it affects you in either your mobility or your daily living needs.
You can get up to £749.80 each four-week pay period through the scheme. If you are on a low income, you may also qualify for Universal Credit. For people aged 25 and over, this pays £400.14 a month for single claimants or £628.10 for couples, at the standard rate.
You may be able to get extra amounts depending on your situation. Once you reach state pension age, you may be able to apply for Pension Credit, which tops up your income up to £227.10 a week for single claimants and up to £346.60 if you have a partner. Extra amounts are available on top of this, such as £82.90 a week if you have a severe disability.
If you have a health condition that affects you to the extent you need someone else to care for you, you may also qualify for Attendance Allowance, which pays £73.90 or £110.40 a week.