The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that Pension Credit will be affected by the upcoming increase in the state pension age from 66 to 67. The change, which will be phased in between 2026 and 2028, means that future claimants will need to wait longer before they can access the benefit.
Pension Credit Aligned with State Pension Age
The DWP stated that Pension Credit is aligned with the state pension age, meaning it will rise in line with the increase. Currently, the eligibility age is 66 plus a specified number of months, depending on an individual's birthday. The DWP explained: "The Pensions Act 2014 brought the increase in the State Pension age from 66 to 67 forward by eight years. The State Pension age for men and women will now increase to 67 between 2026 and 2028."
Phased Timetable for State Pension and Pension Credit
The DWP has published a detailed timetable showing when people with birthdays between April 6, 1960, and March 5, 1961, can claim their state pension, and consequently Pension Credit, in England, Scotland, and Wales. The schedule introduces incremental increases, starting at 66 years and 1 month for those born between April 6 and May 5, 1960, and rising to 66 years and 11 months for those born between February 6 and March 5, 1961. Individuals born after March 6, 1961, and before April 6, 1977, will reach state pension age at 67.
Impact on Future Claimants
The change means that thousands of future pensioners will have to wait longer to receive Pension Credit, a means-tested benefit that tops up retirement income. The DWP warned that the eligibility age will continue to rise in line with future state pension age increases. The full timetable is as follows:
- April 6, 1960 – May 5, 1960: 66 years and 1 month
- May 6, 1960 – June 5, 1960: 66 years and 2 months
- June 6, 1960 – July 5, 1960: 66 years and 3 months
- July 6, 1960 – August 5, 1960: 66 years and 4 months
- August 6, 1960 – September 5, 1960: 66 years and 5 months
- September 6, 1960 – October 5, 1960: 66 years and 6 months
- October 6, 1960 – November 5, 1960: 66 years and 7 months
- November 6, 1960 – December 5, 1960: 66 years and 8 months
- December 6, 1960 – January 5, 1961: 66 years and 9 months
- January 6, 1961 – February 5, 1961: 66 years and 10 months
- February 6, 1961 – March 5, 1961: 66 years and 11 months
- March 6, 1961 – April 5, 1977: 67 years
The DWP added that for people born after April 5, 1969, but before April 6, 1977, under the Pensions Act 2007, the state pension age was already set at 67. The rule change underscores the government's ongoing adjustments to pension policy in response to increasing life expectancy.
