Does PIP Stop When You Reach Pension Age

PIP does not stop at State Pension age if you are already claiming it. Learn what happens to PIP and how to apply for Attendance Allowance if needed.

Does PIP Stop When You Reach Pension Age?

Personal Independence Payment, or PIP, is a benefit designed to help people with the extra costs of living with a long-term health condition or disability. If you are receiving PIP and approaching State Pension age, you may be wondering whether your payments will stop once you reach that milestone.

The good news is that PIP does not automatically stop when you reach State Pension age. However, there are rules that affect whether you can continue to receive it or make a new claim once you pass this age.

This article explains what happens to PIP at pension age, whether you can keep receiving it, and what support is available if you become disabled later in life.

What is PIP?

PIP is a non-means-tested benefit for people aged between 16 and State Pension age who need help with:

  • Daily living activities

  • Getting around due to a physical or mental condition

It is made up of two parts:

  • The daily living component

  • The mobility component

You can receive one or both parts depending on how your condition affects you.

Does PIP stop at State Pension age?

No, PIP does not stop simply because you reach State Pension age. If you are already receiving PIP when you reach that age, your payments will continue for as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.

You will still go through periodic reviews to assess whether your condition has changed, although these reviews may be less frequent or more light-touch as you get older.

Can you make a new claim for PIP after State Pension age?

Generally, you cannot make a new claim for PIP after reaching State Pension age. PIP is intended for people who develop a disability or long-term condition before reaching that age.

If you develop care needs after State Pension age, you would usually claim Attendance Allowance instead.

What is Attendance Allowance?

Attendance Allowance is a benefit for people over State Pension age who have a physical or mental disability that requires care or supervision.

Key features include:

  • No mobility component

  • Two rates: standard and enhanced

  • Not means tested and not taxed

  • Can be claimed even if you live alone or are not receiving formal care

If you are not eligible for PIP because of your age, Attendance Allowance may offer valuable support.

What happens to the mobility component?

This is where the rules change slightly. If you receive the mobility component of PIP before State Pension age, you can keep receiving it as long as you remain eligible.

However, you cannot start receiving the mobility component if you apply for PIP after reaching State Pension age. Attendance Allowance also does not include any mobility support.

This means that claiming PIP before pension age can offer a broader range of support if your condition affects your ability to move around.

What if your condition worsens after State Pension age?

If your health changes after reaching State Pension age and you are already claiming PIP, you can ask for your claim to be reviewed and potentially increased.

If you are not already claiming PIP, and you develop new care needs after State Pension age, you will need to apply for Attendance Allowance instead.

Are there any exceptions?

Yes. You can still claim PIP after State Pension age if:

  • You are making a reclaim within 12 months of your previous PIP award ending

  • You were in the process of applying or appealing a PIP decision before turning pension age

  • You meet other special rules, such as if you are terminally ill

Final thoughts

PIP does not stop automatically when you reach State Pension age. If you are already receiving it, you can continue to do so as long as you remain eligible. However, if you become disabled after reaching State Pension age, you cannot make a new claim for PIP and would usually need to apply for Attendance Allowance instead.

Understanding the difference between these benefits is important as you age. If you are unsure about your entitlement, contact the Department for Work and Pensions or seek help from Citizens Advice or Age UK.