DWP urges people to 'check this' as state pension age review announced

The DWP has encouraged people to do a quick check as the Government has announced a review of the state pension age. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall announced the third review of the state pension age, as legislation mandates that the Government has to review the policy regularly.

Information about the upcoming review on the Government website explains: "This review will consider whether the rules around pensionable age are appropriate, based on the latest life expectancy data and other evidence."

The guidance also includes a link to 'check your state pension age', which takes you through to a tool you can use to check when you can start to claim your payments.

The state pension age for men and women is currently 66, but this will be increasing from next year. The access age is gradually increasing to 67 between April 2026 and April 2028.

Plans are also in place for the state pension age to go up again from 67 to 68 between 2044 and 2046, but there have been reports the Government could bring forward this timetable, something which may be addressed in the upcoming review.

It is also worth checking your state pension age as reaching this age will allow you to access certain benefits, such as Pension Credit or Attendance Allowance.

You do not need to be claiming your state pension to get Pension Credit, a benefit available to those on a low income, that tops up your income and provides access to other means of Government support.

The average claim is worth over £3,900 a year in support. The income top-up increases your income to £227.10 a week for single claimants and up to £346.60 a week for couples.

As you near your state pension age, you should get a letter from the DWP inviting you to put in your claim. You have to file a claim to start receiving the payments.

You can put in your claim through the Government website up to three months before you reach state pension age. Another factor to consider is how much your state pension will be. You typically need 35 years of National Insurance contributions to get the full new state pension.

You need at least 10 years of contributions to get any state pension. The full new state pension is currently £230.25 a week, or £11,973 a year.

State pension rates go up each April in line with the triple lock policy. This guarantees an increase in payments in line with the highest of 2.5 per cent, the rise in average earnings or inflation.