An expert has urged people to check how DWP rule changes affect them
A pensions expert has called on people to review how they are impacted by significant changes to DWP regulations. Major changes to the qualifying criteria for the state pension are now taking effect and could catch people unaware.
The state pension forms a vital component of many people’s retirement income, making it essential to understand your entitlement and when you can claim the benefit. A critical change is currently in progress, as the state pension age is rising. The qualifying age is increasing from 66 to 67, progressing in phases between April 2026 and April 2028. Lily Megson-Harvey, policy director at My Pension Expert, has warned that some people may be unaware this affects them.
She explained: “Those in their late 40s and early 50s may have been aware of changes to the state pension age when they were first announced but haven’t revisited how those changes affect them more recently. For many, retirement can still feel some way off, so it’s easy for these details to fall down the priority list.
“But as the state pension age shifts, that gap between when people expect to retire and when they can access their state pension can become more significant.” She encouraged people to regularly review the DWP rules.
Two important checks
She highlighted two Government resources available to help understand your state pension position: “Checking your state pension age and forecast is a simple step, but one that can make a meaningful difference to how you plan for later life.” The gov.uk website features a tool where you can put in your details to find out your state pension age plus your eligibility date for Pension Credit.
This benefit becomes accessible once you reach state pension age, and you needn’t be drawing your state pension to receive it. It’s certainly worthwhile investigating whether you qualify for this additional support, as the typical Pension Credit claim delivers over £4,000 annually in financial assistance.
There’s also a separate tool on the Government website allowing you to check your state pension forecast. This displays how much state pension you’re projected to receive, and whether you can boost your entitlement.
Your state pension entitlement builds up through paying National Insurance contributions. Typically, you’ll need 35 years’ worth of contributions to secure the full new state pension, which currently stands at £241.30 weekly.
If there are gaps in your record, you may be able to purchase contributions to fill them. You can buy contributions dating back up to six tax years.
Future changes to the state pension
As the taxpayer burden of the state pension continues to escalate, there are mounting concerns the Government may need to limit the benefit, either by increasing the state pension age or replacing the triple lock policy with less generous rises. The triple lock guarantees payments rise each April in line with whichever is highest: 2.5 per cent, the increase in average earnings or inflation.
A future rise to the state pension age is already scheduled, with proposals to increase it from 67 to 68 between 2044 and 2046. Ms Megson-Harvey was asked whether further changes to the state pension age or the triple lock are more probable.
She responded: “Both options are likely to remain firmly on the table, as the Government looks to balance affordability with the need to support retirees. Raising the state pension age is one way to reflect increasing life expectancy and reduce long-term costs, but it can have a significant impact on individuals, particularly those who may not be able to work longer.
“On the other hand, changes to the triple lock could affect the value of the state pension over time, which raises its own concerns around adequacy. She stressed the importance of the Government clearly communicating any confirmed future changes to the public.
She said: “Clear communication and access to advice are so important. People need to understand not just what is changing, but what it means for them, so that they can plan accordingly and maintain confidence in their financial future.”
