MPs call for benefits increase for 66-year-olds ahead of state pension rise

A group of MPs have backed the idea of increasing benefits for pensioners - due to the increase in the state pension age.

Many pensioners currently rely on the £425 a month standard rate of universal credit.

But the Work and Pensions Committee warns that with the state pension age set to reach 67 by April 2028, people currently approaching retirement may have to rely on universal credit for longer or dip into savings.

“We can’t just allow people who are already struggling as they approach pension age to be forced to choose between continuing work in poor health or prolonging their poverty as they wait for their state pension to kick in,” the committee said.

What can be done?

The Work and Pensions Committee has called on the government to temporarily increase universal credit for 66-year-olds.

This, it says, would give ministers time to develop longer-term support.

“Additional social security payments are essential in reducing the compounding effects of the lottery of life and the state pension age increase.

“If the government takes action quickly, those who face poverty because they deplete their savings before reaching pension age can be helped.”

The committee added that giving further support through universal credit to 66-year-olds would cost £600 million of the potential £10.5 billion savings made from the rise. 

Find out what benefits you can claim

If you’re not sure if you qualify for universal credit and other state benefits, we can help.

You can either give us a ring and we’ll check for you, or use our free benefits calculator to see what support you could get.

Don’t assume you won’t qualify. 

Even if you’re in work, you own your home or have some savings, you could still be entitled to some help.