Does PIP Stop When You Reach Pension Age?

If You’re Already Receiving PIP

If you are already claiming PIP before you reach State Pension age, your payments will continue as normal. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) does not cut off PIP just because you have hit pension age. As long as you still meet the eligibility criteria, your PIP award will continue, and you will still have your regular reassessments to check if you qualify for continued payments.

So, if you were picturing a dramatic scenario where HMRC sends you a “Congratulations, You’re Old! No More PIP for You!” letter—rest assured, that is not how it works.

If You Have Not Claimed PIP Yet and You Are Over Pension Age

Here is where things get a little tricky. If you have not applied for PIP before reaching State Pension age, you will not be able to make a new claim.

PIP is designed for people who develop long-term disabilities or health conditions before they reach pension age. If you have a new disability or illness after reaching pension age, you will need to apply for Attendance Allowance instead, which is a separate benefit designed for older people with care needs.

However, there are some exceptions:

• If you were previously receiving PIP but your claim ended within the last 12 months, you may be able to reclaim it after reaching pension age.

• If you were on Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and have reached pension age, you may be able to move onto PIP instead.

What If Your Condition Gets Worse After Reaching Pension Age?

If you were already on PIP before reaching State Pension age and your condition worsens, you can still request a reassessment to see if you qualify for higher payments. However, you cannot switch from the standard rate to the enhanced rate for mobility once you have reached pension age.

This means that:

• If you already receive the enhanced mobility rate before reaching pension age, you will continue to get it.

• If you were only on the standard mobility rate, you cannot upgrade to enhanced mobility after pension age.

This is one of the biggest limitations for PIP claimants who reach pension age, so if your mobility issues are worsening and you are approaching pension age, it may be worth discussing a review of your PIP award before you get there.

What Other Benefits Can You Claim After Pension Age?

If you are over pension age and cannot claim PIP, there are other benefits available:

1. Attendance Allowance

This is the main alternative to PIP for people over State Pension age who need help with daily living activities due to a disability or long-term illness. However, it does not include a mobility component, so it is not as comprehensive as PIP.

2. Pension Credit

If your income is low, Pension Credit can help top up your pension payments and unlock extra benefits, including help with council tax and NHS costs.

3. Carer’s Allowance

If you have someone caring for you for at least 35 hours a week, they may be eligible for Carer’s Allowance, which can provide additional financial support.

4. Housing Benefit & Council Tax Support

If you are struggling with housing costs, you may be eligible for Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction to help cover some of your expenses.

Final Thoughts – Will PIP Stop When You Reach Pension Age?

The key takeaway is PIP does not stop just because you reach pension age—as long as you were already receiving it before then. However, if you have not claimed PIP before pension age, you will not be able to make a new claim and will need to look into Attendance Allowance instead.

If you are approaching pension age and have concerns about your PIP award, reassessments, or additional benefits, it is always best to seek advice from a benefits expert to ensure you are getting the right support.