In 2044 and 2046, the State Pension will rise once more
In 2026, the State Pension age will rise from 66 to 67(Image: inyourArea)
In 2026, the State Pension age will rise from 66 to 67, with the Conservative Party government first announcing these plans a decade ago.
The age rise will be phased in and fully completed by 2028, when all men and women will see the change to 67.
It is not the only rise planned, as the State Pension age will be shifted in 2044 and 2046 from 67 to 68.
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The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said a letter will be sent out to everyone that will be impacted by the changes next year.
This will be for people born between March 6, 1961, and April 5, 1977, as they will be eligible to claim the State Pension once they turn 67.
Policy in Practice’s latest report warns Pension Credit is being underclaimed by state pensioners nationwide.
The report suggests as many as 761,000 people could be eligible to claim Pension Credit in the UK but aren’t.
It warns: “Four in 10 pensioners eligible for Pension Credit aren’t claiming it, missing out on over £2,000 a year. This affects their financial wellbeing, worsens health outcomes and deepens inequality.”
Money Saving Expert, the site founded by BBC and ITV star Martin Lewis, said: “It takes minutes to check if you qualify, so don’t stall, just call. The exact rules of who can get Pension Credit are complex, so we have a simple rule of thumb for those of state pension age (currently 66 or older):
“If your total income is under £230 a week (£350 for a couple who are both pensioners), you’re likely to get pension credit, as this is the level of the full state pension it is designed to top up.
“If your total income is under £245 a week (£365 for a couple who are both pensioners), there’s a chance you will get pension credit, it depends on circumstances.
“There’s a higher threshold if you claim certain disability benefits or have caring responsibilities, so if this is you it’s worth checking.
“Pension Credit is also has a superpower… it’s a gateway to FREE TV licences and MUCH MORE.
“If you claim the main part of Pension Credit, you can get discounts on other bills, such as a council tax reduction (worth about £1,000 a year typically), and the Warm Home Discount (worth £150 a year). It’s NOT automatic so you MUST claim.”