New DWP update for PIP claimants approaching State Pension age

The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed that people already receiving Personal Independence Payment can continue to receive the benefit after reaching State Pension age, provided they still meet the eligibility rules.

People receiving PIP before reaching State Pension age will not automatically lose their benefit when they retire, the DWP has confirmed. Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms confirmed that existing PIP claimants can continue receiving the benefit after reaching State Pension age provided they continue to meet the eligibility requirements.

"Personal Independence Payment PIP claimants continue to receive the benefit after they reach State Pension age if they continue to fulfil the eligibility requirements," Sir Stephen said.

He added: "It is normal for social security schemes to contain different provisions for people at different stages of their lives which reflect varying priorities and circumstances."

However, the DWP minister confirmed that while existing PIP awards can continue after State Pension age, claimants cannot establish a new entitlement to the mobility component or receive a higher award of the mobility component if they were receiving the standard rate once they have reached State Pension age.

Instead, people who first develop care or mobility needs after reaching State Pension age would normally need to claim Attendance Allowance, which does not include a mobility component.

Explaining the UK Government's position, Sir Stephen said: "These longstanding rules recognise that changing mobility needs as a pensioner is a common and foreseeable feature of the ageing process It puts PIP recipients in the same position as someone newly disabled of State Pension age where they are required to claim Attendance Allowance which does not have a mobility component."