Many people in the UK are said to be ‘blindsided’ by ‘switch-off’ rules that eliminate five Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits the day they reach State Pension age. Ed Gallois, Managing Director of Funeral Guide, says pensioners are losing out on vital support simply because they’re unaware of what changes once they reach 66.
“We regularly see people missing out on thousands because they simply don’t realise what changes overnight at State Pension age,” Gallois said. “The system isn’t easy to navigate. You have to ask the right questions, and sadly, too many people only discover the changes when their income suddenly drops.”
This comes as a government review is looking into potential future increases to the State Pension age. Official figures project that males aged 66 in 2025 will live another 19.2 years, and females another 21.8 years.
The government announced the launch of the third review of State Pension age in July 2025. This review will consider whether the rules around pensionable age are appropriate, based on the latest life expectancy data and other evidence.
Data from the Third State Pension Age Review reveals that the number of people at State Pension age or above will increase by 55% over five decades. According to the statistics, it’s set to rise from 12.6 million in 2025 to 19.5 million by 2075.
The current legislative plan will raise the State Pension age to 67 between 2026 and 2028 and then to 68 between 2044 and 2046. This comes as costs have escalated from around 3.5% of GDP in the early 2000s to approximately 5%, reports Wales Online.
What DWP benefits stop at 66?
- Universal Credit
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- New PIP claims (must switch to Attendance Allowance instead)
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) cannot be initiated once you reach State Pension age, even if you develop a disability later. Instead, people must apply for Attendance Allowance, which pays up to £108.55 a week.
Universal Credit also concludes, with Pension Credit taking over. This tops up income for single pensioners earning less than £218.15 a week or couples below £332.95, and it serves as a gateway to other support like free TV licences for those over 75.
Employment and Support Allowance ends at 66, as does Jobseeker’s Allowance. Government data reveals employment rates drop by more than ten percentage points between ages 65 and 66.
Pensioners may be eligible for Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction. Those over pension age can’t claim the New Style Bereavement Support Payment either, though surviving partners may receive a portion of their late partner’s State Pension.
What can be claimed instead?
Winter Fuel Payments worth up to £300 begin at State Pension age, while Cold Weather Payments may be available during freezing periods. Free NHS prescriptions and eye tests are also provided in England, while the Senior Railcard offers significant transport savings.
According to Gallois, one particularly valuable scheme is the Funeral Expenses Payment. It is worth up to £2,000 for those on qualifying benefits and covers burial or cremation costs and other essentials.
If you have reached state pension age, you typically cannot claim the Bereavement Support Payment, however you may still qualify for a Funeral Expenses Payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) if you receive certain benefits and satisfy the eligibility requirements for the funeral you are organising in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
You must submit a claim within six months of the funeral, and you can apply before the funeral takes place if you possess an invoice from the funeral director.
The payment is a grant that does not require repayment, though it may be reclaimed from the deceased’s estate if they possessed adequate assets.
According to the UK Parliament, numerous people lose out on Funeral Expense Payments because they remain unaware of the assistance or find the eligibility and application procedure bewildering.
“As living costs rise, knowing your rights is a lifeline, not a luxury,” Gallois added.”Even small top-ups or discounts can make the difference between just scraping by and having a little breathing space.”
He explained this phase of life is when many begin considering not just their own future, but their families’ welfare too. “Covering day-to-day bills, planning for care needs, and even considering funeral costs, it can all feel overwhelming. That’s why it’s so important to understand what support is available.”
