UK DWP urged to extend PIP and highlight underclaimed pension credit for retirees

A petition on the Parliamentary petitions website is calling on the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to allow people over the state pension age to make new claims for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Currently, new PIP claims are blocked once claimants reach age 66, forcing them to rely on Attendance Allowance, which lacks a mobility component and is considered less supportive.

Financial journalist Martin Lewis has pointed out that the state pension credit scheme, which tops up low‑income retirees’ earnings, is vastly under‑claimed. Eligible pensioners can receive up to £238 a week for single claimants (or £363 for couples), plus extra weekly amounts for severe disability or caring responsibilities. The benefit typically provides around £4,300 a year and unlocks other entitlements such as council‑tax discounts and free TV licences. Close to a million eligible pensioners are missing out, despite government campaigns encouraging applications.