Nearly 1m UK pensioners living in deprivation, DWP data shows

Nearly 1 million people aged over 66 in the UK are living in deprivation, according to statistics from the DWP.  This is the highest number since records began. Meanwhile, a report by the Fabian Society suggests the number of people over 60 living in poverty who are not yet eligible for a state pension has tripled since the Conservatives came to power in 2010.

Sasjkia Otto, a senior researcher at the Fabian Society, said: “This silent crisis was caused by government policy decisions, so ministers should take responsibility for finding solutions.

“As things stand, the government assumes that people in their early and mid-60s can keep working and earning just like those in their 20s. This is true for lots of people and we should celebrate those who defy harmful ageist stereotypes. But many others in their 60s face long-term barriers to work, including sickness, disability and caring responsibilities.”

Rather than poverty, the DWP figures analysed measure against deprivation levels. People aged 66 or over across the UK were asked whether they had access to basic goods and services, including substantial meals, heating and electricity, a home that was in a good state of repair, and contact with friends and family at least once a month.

These were the findings:

• Of 977,386 over-66s who were experiencing deprivation in 2022-23, 100,000 were living in working households.
• The number of older people experiencing hardship has risen over a third since before the pandemic.

Whilst the state pension rose by 8.5% this month, the UK provides a lower state pension than most other advanced economies relative to average earnings, according to a House of Commons library report from 2022.

 In addition, a report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies last year found that maintaining the triple lock could add as much as £45bn a year to the welfare bill by 2050, putting pressure on the government to increase the minimum retirement age.

Financial help

The pension credit deadline has passed, but it’s worth checking to see if you’re eligible for any other support if you’re struggling.