Money Wellness

What happens to PIP when you reach state pension age? 

If you’re already receiving personal independence payment (PIP), your payments won’t stop at state pension age.

If you’re not currently receiving PIP and you’ve reached state pension age, you might be able to make a new claim but only under certain conditions.

Find out when you can get PIP as a pensioner. 

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Will I still receive PIP when I reach state pension age?

Yes, if you receive PIP, your payments will continue as normal once you reach state pension age. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will reassess your PIP at this point, and it’ll become an ‘indefinite award’ (no end date). It’ll be reviewed every ten years unless you tell DWP your circumstances have changed.   

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Can I make a new PIP claim at state pension age?

You can only make a new PIP claim at state pension age if it’s been less than one year since your PIP award or disability living allowance (DLA) ended - or you still receive DLA. You aren’t eligible for PIP if you were born before 9 April 1948.

If you want to make a new PIP claim, contact DWP and complete the necessary forms and medical assessment.

Person submitting a PIP claim

Making a new PIP claim if your award ended in the last year

If your award ended in the last year, you could still claim PIP at -state pension age for: 

  • the same medical condition
  • a medical condition that developed because of another condition which was part of your last PIP claim 

For example, if your last PIP claim covered type 2 diabetes, and you’ve since developed diabetic eye disease which affects your sight, you can claim for both.   

The PIP mobility component at state pension age   

There are extra rules for claiming the PIP mobility component at state pension age. You can’t get the mobility component or the enhanced rate unless you were awarded it in your last claim, even if your condition has got worse.  

Person in a wheelchair with a friend and coins

Making a new PIP claim if you received DLA in the last year

If you received DLA in the last year, or still receive it, you can make a PIP claim at state pension age. You must have been born on or after 9 April 1948. There are no restrictions on how much you can get or what you can claim for.  

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What should I do if I’m not eligible for PIP?

If you aren’t eligible for PIP, you may be eligible for attendance allowance instead, which is a similar benefit that gives you extra money each week. You can claim attendance allowance if you’ve: 

  • reached state pension age
  • needed help with personal care, such as dressing or washing, or supervision to keep you safe for at least the last six months
  • got a disability or long-term illness 
Person asking a question

What age does PIP stop?

If you’re already receiving PIP or you’re eligible for a new claim at state pension age, you’ll be put on an indefinite award, meaning there’s no end date.  

Person on the phone asking a question

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