Written statement on Reaching State Pension Age on Universal Credit - Mar 5

Dr Thérèse Coffey (The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions): I can today announce that we will amend regulations to smooth the transition from Universal Credit to pensioner benefits and remove any potential gap in support.

All those who reach State Pension Age while claiming Universal Credit will receive a run-on, meaning that they can receive a payment for the entire Assessment Period in which they reach State Pension Age. Entitlement to pensioner benefits and State Pension is unaffected and continues as usual. This ensures there is no gap in benefit provision as people approach State Pension Age. This will benefit approximately 200,000 pensioners who will benefit by an average of £350 from this run-on at a cost of around £70 million over the next five years.

This process is already in operation on an extra statutory basis, ensuring that nobody loses out upon reaching State Pension Age, and legislation will be amended accordingly later this year.