Latest news with #StatePensionAge
Business Mayor
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Mayor
PIP claimants that ‘shouldn't be affected by reform' could still be at risk experts warn
The changes will make thousands of people currently getting PIP ineligible for the benefit (Image: GETTY) A loophole in new DWP PIP criteria could expose people to losing their benefits, according to an advice organisation. Last month, Disability Minister Stephen Timms responded to a written parliamentary question regarding the changes to PIP eligibility announced by the government in March. Labour MP Neil Duncan-Jordan had inquired about the impact of these changes on PIP claimants of retirement age. Sir Stephen offered reassurance, stating: 'In keeping with existing policy, people over State Pension Age are not routinely fully reviewed and will not be affected by the proposed changes.' He also confirmed that the new eligibility criteria would only apply to reviews and claims made after November 2026. Many people welcomed this confirmation at the time, which was intended to alleviate concerns for approximately 700,000 state pension age PIP claimants, according to the Mirror. However, Benefits and Work has identified a loophole that could still subject these individuals to the new criteria, potentially resulting in the loss of their benefit. The benefit experts cautioned: 'The phrase 'not routinely fully reviewed' is deeply ambiguous. It is true that claimants over pension age are likely to have a light-touch review. 'This involves the shortened AR2 review form and will not normally require the claimant to have a face-to-face or telephone assessment. But the AR2 form still asks the claimant if there have been any changes in their daily living needs since their last assessment.' PIP claims are reviewed to check if the claimants disability and circumstances have changed (Image: GETTY) After November 2026, people who do not meet the new eligibility criteria and respond 'no' on this form may technically disqualify themselves by highlighting that they don't meet the criteria. If they answer 'yes', it could initiate a new review, which will also be evaluated against the new criteria. This loophole could leave state pension age PIP claimants in a difficult position, but the experts have reassured: 'We don't want to alarm pension age PIP claimants. Reviews after pension age are much less frequent, so most claimants may not be affected. However, it seems that tens of thousands a year might be. 'Pension age PIP claimants will certainly be impacted by the Green paper changes. The only way to avoid this would be to specify that the new points system regulations will exempt pension age PIP claimants.' They encouraged people to ask their local MPs to urge the minister to clarify his statement. Many details about the Green Paper are still unknown and open for consultation, including transitional protection so this gap for state pension age claimants could still be addressed in the future. The loophole could mean people assured the change won't affect them could be at risk of losing their benefit (Image: GETTY) What has been confirmed in detail are the proposed changes to PIP eligibility criteria. At present, applicants need to score at least eight points across 10 activities to receive the standard rate of the daily living component of PIP and 12 points to get the enhanced rate. The more assistance or equipment you require to carry out these activities safely and efficiently, the more points you can accumulate in each category. The updated criteria will still necessitate these minimums, but if individuals fail to score at least four points in any one category, they won't qualify for the daily living component at all. It remains uncertain how those who currently qualify and receive PIP but don't meet this criteria will be supported during the transition. The consultation is particularly open to disabled individuals and disability organisations in England, Scotland and Wales.
Daily Mirror
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
PIP claimants that ‘shouldn't be affected' could still be at risk
700,000 people were recently told the changes won't affect them, but a loophole may mean it does A loophole in new DWP PIP criteria could expose people to losing their benefits, according to an advice organisation. Last month, Disability Minister Stephen Timms responded to a written parliamentary question regarding the changes to PIP eligibility announced by the government in March. Labour MP Neil Duncan-Jordan had inquired about the impact of these changes on PIP claimants of retirement age. Sir Stephen offered reassurance, stating: "In keeping with existing policy, people over State Pension Age are not routinely fully reviewed and will not be affected by the proposed changes." He also confirmed that the new eligibility criteria would only apply to reviews and claims made after November 2026. Many people welcomed this confirmation at the time, which was intended to alleviate concerns for approximately 700,000 state pension age PIP claimants, according to the Mirror. However, Benefits and Work has identified a loophole that could still subject these individuals to the new criteria, potentially resulting in the loss of their benefit. The benefit experts cautioned: "The phrase 'not routinely fully reviewed' is deeply ambiguous. It is true that claimants over pension age are likely to have a light-touch review. "This involves the shortened AR2 review form and will not normally require the claimant to have a face-to-face or telephone assessment. But the AR2 form still asks the claimant if there have been any changes in their daily living needs since their last assessment." After November 2026, people who do not meet the new eligibility criteria and respond 'no' on this form may technically disqualify themselves by highlighting that they don't meet the criteria. If they answer 'yes', it could initiate a new review, which will also be evaluated against the new criteria. This loophole could leave state pension age PIP claimants in a difficult position, but the experts have reassured: "We don't want to alarm pension age PIP claimants. Reviews after pension age are much less frequent, so most claimants may not be affected. However, it seems that tens of thousands a year might be. "Pension age PIP claimants will certainly be impacted by the Green paper changes. The only way to avoid this would be to specify that the new points system regulations will exempt pension age PIP claimants." They encouraged people to ask their local MPs to urge the minister to clarify his statement. Many details about the Green Paper are still unknown and open for consultation, including transitional protection so this gap for state pension age claimants could still be addressed in the future. What has been confirmed in detail are the proposed changes to PIP eligibility criteria. At present, applicants need to score at least eight points across 10 activities to receive the standard rate of the daily living component of PIP and 12 points to get the enhanced rate. The more assistance or equipment you require to carry out these activities safely and efficiently, the more points you can accumulate in each category. The updated criteria will still necessitate these minimums, but if individuals fail to score at least four points in any one category, they won't qualify for the daily living component at all. It remains uncertain how those who currently qualify and receive PIP but don't meet this criteria will be supported during the transition. The consultation is particularly open to disabled individuals and disability organisations in England, Scotland and Wales.
North Wales Live
25-04-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
DWP Personal Independence Payment cuts won't affect people of this age group
The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed that the proposed cuts to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) disability and incapacity benefits will not affect those who have reached state pension age, marking a significant relief for older individuals. In a query raised in the Commons, Paula Barker, Labour MP for Liverpool Wavertree, sought clarity "to ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the proposed reforms to Personal Independence Payment on people above over state pension age." Responding to the question, Sir Stephen Timms stated: "Our intention is that the new eligibility requirement in Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in which people must score a minimum of four points in one daily living activity to be eligible for the daily living component, will apply to new claims and award reviews from November 2026, subject to parliamentary approval. In keeping with existing policy, people of State Pension Age are not routinely fully reviewed and will not be affected by the proposed changes." He further added, "Information on the impacts of the Pathways to Work Green Paper will be published in due course, and some information was published alongside the Spring Statement. These publications can be found in 'Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper'. "A further programme of analysis to support development of the proposals in the Green Paper will be developed and undertaken in the coming months.", reports Birmingham Live. You might be able to make a new claim if you had a PIP award that stopped in the last year or you're getting Disability Living Allowance (DLA) - or it stopped in the last year. You can't claim PIP if you were born before 9 April 1948. If you can't claim PIP, you might be able to get Attendance Allowance instead. If you claim PIP after State Pension age, there are extra rules about the 'mobility component'. The mobility component is for the extra help you need getting around. If you claim PIP after State Pension age, the DWP will usually give you an 'indefinite award'. This means there's no end date. They will usually review the award every 10 years. If you're already getting PIP when you reach State Pension age, the DWP will turn it into an indefinite award.
Daily Record
22-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
DWP urges women impacted by State Pension age changes to get help finding work
The DWP explains how there is tailored employment support for older workers to retrain or learn new skills. Pension Credit – Could you or someone you know be eligible? The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging older people who can work, including women who have been impacted by changes to their State Pension age, to get help from dedicated services offered by Job centres to help them retrain for employment, build confidence or learn new skills. In a written response to Conservative MP Stuart Anderson, who asked DWP what steps it is taking to 'support women impacted by increases to the State Pension Age' in his constituency of South Shropshire, Minister for Employment Alison McGovern MP, explained how the DWP currently offers 'employment support for eligible customers of all ages'. The DWP Minister explained: 'The Government seeks to support people who can work, by helping them to retain, return to or progress in employment. That is why the Government is reforming employment support to ensure it helps everyone who needs it. 'DWP currently offers employment support for eligible customers of all ages, through the network of Jobcentres across the UK, and through contracted employment programmes.' Ms McGovern continued: 'A dedicated offer for older workers seeks to provide tailored support for those affected by low confidence, menopause, health and disability or caring pressures, and out of date skills or qualifications. 'Through Midlife reviews, delivered in Jobcentres across the UK, and online, we support older people to assess their health, finances and skills.' She added: 'We have also appointed a Menopause Employment Ambassador who will work closely with employers across the country to improve workplace support for women experiencing menopause and wider women's health issues.' Earlier this year, Pensions Minister Torsten Bell urged all low-income pensioners and 1950s-born women - so-called WASPI women (Women Against State Pension Inequality Campaign) - to check if they are eligible for an annual income boost worth £4,300, on average. His response came after Labour MP Euan Stainbank asked the DWP what assessment it has made of the 'effectiveness of Pension Credit at tackling financial hardship among older people' including 'women born in the 1950s that were impacted by changes to the State Pension age'. In a written response, Mr Bell explained to the Falkirk MP how Pension Credit was introduced specifically to help address pensioner poverty, providing a 'vital safety net for low-income pensioners by guaranteeing a minimum level of income'. Over the 2025/26 financial year, the means-tested benefit can provide a weekly income boost to single pensioners with a total weekly income below £227.10 and couples with a combined income of less than £346.00. Some older people think because they have savings or own their home they would not be eligible for the means-tested benefit, which can also provide access to help with housing costs, heating bills and Council Tax. An award of just £1 per week is enough to unlock other support. The DWP recently confirmed that nearly 78 per cent of all new claims for Pension Credit are processed - from initial application to award decision letter - within the target timeframe of 50 working days (10 weeks). This means older people on a low income making a new claim this month, could receive their first payment and any arrears by July. It's crucial for all older people - single, married or cohabiting - to make sure they are claiming all the additional financial support they are entitled to this year to help boost their income and offset the ongoing cost of living crisis. Below is everything you need to know about the benefit. Pension Credit in a nutshell When you apply for Pension Credit your income is calculated. If you have a partner, your income is calculated together. Pension Credit tops up: your weekly income to £227.10 if you're single your joint weekly income to £346.60 if you have a partner If your income is higher, you might still be eligible for Pension Credit if you have a disability, you care for someone, you have savings or you have housing costs. What counts as income Your income includes: State Pension other pensions earnings from employment and self-employment most social security benefits - for example, Carer's Allowance What does not count as income Not all benefits are counted as income. For example, the following are not counted: Adult Disability Payment Attendance Allowance DWP Christmas Bonus Child Benefit Disability Living Allowance Pension Age Disability Payment Personal Independence Payment social fund payments like Winter Fuel Allowance Housing Benefit Council Tax Reduction Your savings If you have £10,000 or less in savings and investments this will not affect your Pension Credit. If you have more than £10,000, every £500 over £10,000 counts as £1 income a week. For example, if you have £11,000 in savings, this counts as £2 income a week. How to check eligibility for Pension Credit Older people, or friends and family, can quickly check their eligibility and get an estimate of what they may receive by using the online Pension Credit calculator on here. Alternatively, pensioners can contact the Pension Credit helpline directly to make a claim on 0800 99 1234 - lines are open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Expert help and advice is also available from: Independent Age Income Max Citizens Advice Age UK More details about claiming Pension Credit can be fond on here. How to make a claim You can start your application up to four months before you reach State Pension age. You can claim any time after you reach State Pension age but your claim can only be backdated for three months. This means you can get up to three months of Pension Credit in your first payment if you were eligible during that time. You will need: your National Insurance number information about your income, savings and investments your bank account details, if you're applying by phone or by post If you're backdating your claim, you'll need details of your income, savings and investments on the date you want your claim to start. Apply online You can use the online service if: you have already claimed your State Pension there are no children or young people included in your claim To check your entitlement, phone the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234 or use the Pension Credit calculator here to find out how much you could get.
