A new petition is urging the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to extend a popular benefit to individuals over the age of 66. Currently, when people reach the state pension age of 66, they become exempt from claiming certain DWP benefits.
Petition Calls for Change
The petition, hosted on the Parliamentary petitions website, states: "Give pensioners access to PIP, as they are currently excluded from pension age." It was created by James Burchell and argues that people over state pension age cannot make new claims for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and must instead rely on Attendance Allowance, which provides less support and lacks a mobility component.
The petition adds: "Many pensioners live with disabilities that impact daily life, yet they cannot claim PIP and must rely on Attendance Allowance, which we think offers less support and no mobility element. This leaves some older people struggling with extra costs linked to care, mobility, and independence. Extending PIP could provide fairer, needs-based help, reduce financial pressure, and ensure pensioners receive support that reflects their real circumstances."
Current Rules on PIP
If you are already receiving PIP, it will continue when you reach state pension age. However, most people cannot make a new claim for PIP after reaching that age. Exceptions apply if you had a PIP award that stopped within the last year, or if you are receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or it stopped within the last year. Those born before 9 April 1948 are ineligible for PIP. If your condition worsens while receiving PIP after state pension age, special rules may apply for increased support. For those unable to claim PIP, Attendance Allowance is an alternative option from the DWP.
