When you reach the State Pension age in the UK — currently 66 — your entitlement to certain benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) changes. Some benefits automatically stop, and others become inaccessible for new claims. This is because the government assumes financial support is now primarily provided through the State Pension and other pension-age-specific benefits.

In this article, we outline six key DWP benefits you are no longer eligible for once you reach State Pension age, what replaces them, and what support remains available.

1. Income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

This benefit is intended for those who are unemployed and actively looking for work. It provides financial support while individuals search for employment. However, once you reach the State Pension age, you are no longer expected to be actively job seeking, and therefore you can no longer claim this benefit

2. New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance

This is a contribution-based version of JSA and is also linked to your recent National Insurance record. Like the income-based version, this benefit stops when you reach State Pension age. The DWP considers that pensioners are no longer in the labor market and thus not eligible for job-seeking support.

3. Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

ESA supports people who have limited ability to work due to illness or disability. While this is a vital source of help for many under the State Pension age, it is not available to new claimants once they reach that milestone. However, if you have care needs due to a health condition or disability, you might qualify for Attendance Allowance instead.

4. New Style / Contribution-Based ESA

Even if you’re eligible based on your National Insurance contributions, this form of ESA also becomes unavailable at State Pension age. The benefit system then shifts to focus on supporting pensioners through other means such as the State Pension or Pension Credit.

5. Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a monthly payment for people who are out of work or on a low income. While it is widely claimed by working-age people, you cannot usually make a new claim once you hit State Pension age — unless you are part of a mixed-age couple (one partner under and one over State Pension age).

6. Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

PIP is meant to help with extra costs for those with a long-term health condition or disability. You can only make a new claim for PIP if you’re under State Pension age. However, if you already receive PIP, your payments may continue after reaching the age threshold. For new claims post-retirement age, Attendance Allowance is the alternative.

Additional Considerations

While the six benefits above become unavailable or restricted once you reach State Pension age, there are others that remain accessible or even become newly available, such as:

• State Pension: Based on your National Insurance record.
• Pension Credit: For those on a low income.
• Winter Fuel Payment: Helps cover heating bills in winter.
• Carer’s Allowance: You may still qualify even if you receive a State Pension, though overlapping benefit rules apply.

Final Thoughts

Turning State Pension age marks a major change in how you receive financial support. While many working-age benefits become inaccessible, pensioners can still access tailored support through different schemes. Understanding the benefits that end — and those that continue or begin — is essential for maintaining financial stability in retirement.

If you’re unsure about your entitlements or how the changes affect you, consider using the government’s Benefits Calculators to check what support you’re eligible for.

This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.