Committee warns prolonged wait for state pension will harm those unable to work, urging higher universal credit before eligibility

Factual coreconfirmed by several independent voices

• The report said: “For many, this will be a year of hardship, on inadequate working age benefits, potentially depleting savings they were relying on to support them in retirement.” The committee said a growing number of 66-year-olds may have to rely on the standard rate of universal credit of around £425 a month for longer, despite worsening health.

  reliability low1/5 sources

• However, the proposal is for a modest increase in support in the year before state pension age.

  reliability low1/3 sources

• There is also a geographical consideration, with ill-health and disability concentrated in the most deprived areas, where there are fewer economic opportunities, the committee said.

  reliability low1/2 sources

• The state pension age started increasing from 66 to 67 from 6 April 2026 onward.

  reliability low1/4 sources

• The State Pension age in the UK is gradually increasing from 66 to 67.

  reliability low1/4 sources

• MPs back benefit boost for 66-year-olds as state pension age increases.

  reliability low1/4 sources

• Boost Universal Credit for 66-year-olds suffering hardship as state pension age rises to 67, urge MPs.

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• The Work and Pensions Committee said it is backing calls for the Government to increase universal credit for 66-year-olds.

  reliability low1/2 sources

Reported detailssecondary facts, each attributed to its source

• Calls grow for government to increase universal credit for 66-year-olds.

  according to The Independent

• Evidence suggests the prolonged wait for their state pension will "harm" 66-year-olds unable to remain in employment, the committee added.

  according to The Independent

• The state pension age has started a phased rise, gradually increasing in steps from 66 to 67, affecting new pensioners.

  according to Evening Standard

• There is evidence the longer wait for their state pension will “harm” 66-year-olds who are unable to keep working until 67, the committee said.

  according to Evening Standard

• "A range of options for extra support are available for those that have not reached state pension age, such as universal credit and other means-tested and disability-related benefits, while the Pensions Commission is examining how we can ensure secure retirements for tomorrow’s pensioners."

  according to Daily Mail +2

• Universal credit is a means-tested benefit payment for people of working-age who are on a low income, out of work or can't work.

  according to Daily Express

• Meanwhile, pension credit guarantees just over £1,000 a month but is only available when you reach state pension age.

  according to Daily Mail +1

Disputedincompatible versions — to verify

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Blind spotwhat one side keeps silent

• MPs back benefit boost for 66-year-olds as state pension age increases.

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• Boost Universal Credit for 66-year-olds suffering hardship as state pension age rises to 67, urge MPs.

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• The Work and Pensions Committee said it is backing calls for the Government to increase universal credit for 66-year-olds.

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• The MPs also highlighted regional inequalities, saying ill-health and disability are more common in deprived areas where employment…

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• The state pension age started increasing from 66 to 67 from 6 April 2026 onward.

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Sources6 sources cross-checked