State pension alert for people in their 60s with this medical condition

The eligibility rules for the state pension are changing soon

Policy experts have spoken about major significant changes to the state pension during discussions with MPs. The qualifying rules for the older age benefit are changing very soon.

The politicians were warned about inconsistencies within the existing system, with certain people failing to receive entitled support. A group of specialists presented evidence to the Work and Pensions Committee regarding the rising state pension age. The qualifying age for the benefit is set to increase from April 2026, progressing gradually from the present 66 to reach 67 by April 2028. Legal provisions are already established for a further rise in the qualifying age, from 67 to 68, scheduled between April 2044 and 2046.

A critical concern as the state pension age moves up is that some people may have to remain in employment for longer than they originally planned, while their health may be worsening. The specialists spoke about what workplace provisions exist to enable people to continue in employment for longer.

Sarah Vickerstaff, professor emerita of Work and Employment at the University of Kent, said it can be a “very complicated” process for people in their 60s to decide whether or not to stay in work. She outlined the factors people often have to consider when determining their retirement date.

People delaying their retirement

The academic said: “It is a mixture of their health, the health of their family members, any caring responsibilities they have, their financial situation and what other things they might want to do.” She explained that people frequently find themselves postponing retirement beyond their initial expectations.

The specialist said: “Often people imagine in advance that they will retire earlier than they actually do. They look ahead and think, ‘Well, I will probably go at 63,’ but when they get to 63, they think, ‘Maybe I will go at 66.’ “

One form of support that may help retain older workers in employment is that employers have a legal obligation to offer ‘reasonable adjustments’. These are provisions that companies must make for disabled staff members, to address any disadvantages that can hinder them from doing their work.

Employment support

However, Ms Vickerstaff warned that there’s a risk individuals may not fully grasp the eligibility requirements for accessing such adjustments. She posed the question: “Is it just that you are defined as disabled by law, or is it wider than that?”

Such adjustments might include arranging specialist equipment or support services, or identifying alternative methods for completing tasks. The researcher provided an illustration of a health issue that might not meet the threshold for reasonable adjustments.

She explained: “Think about the very large numbers of people in their 60s with musculoskeletal problems. A lot of them – like me, with osteoarthritis – are not labelled or do not qualify as disabled under equalities legislation, but our ability to work may be quite severely impacted.

“The example I always give is that a stand-up/sit-down desk that allows me to vary my work position is a relatively small and inexpensive adjustment, but one that might have an influence on my ability to carry on working. Let’s make better use of the things we already have.”

State pension payments will be going up 4.8 per cent in April, thanks to the triple lock policy. This policy ensures payment rates go up in line with the highest of three measures: 2.5 per cent, the rise in average earnings or inflation.