A group of pensioners in mixed-age couples cannot claim Pension Credit, no matter how low their incomes are. Pension Credit serves as an income-tested benefit for individuals over State Pension age facing financial difficulties. It boosts income to a minimum of £227.10 weekly for singles or £346.60 for couples, while also providing access to additional aid for health and housing costs.
The Mixed-Age Couples Restriction
Current rules prevent couples from claiming if one partner has not reached State Pension age, which stands at 66. Liberal Democrat MP Liz Jarvis raised concerns about this policy’s effects on low-income mixed-age couples. In a letter to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, she asked for an assessment of its impact on pensioner poverty levels, particularly regarding eligibility for Pension Credit or pension-age Housing Benefit.
Minister’s Explanation
Stephen Timms, Minister of State for Work and Pensions, defended the policy in his response. He stated: “Ensuring that individuals can get into, progress and stay in work is important in helping them to continue saving for their own retirement and contribute to the wider economy.”
He added: “The requirement for mixed-age couples to seek financial support from the working-age social security system until both members of the couple reach State Pension Age ensures that, once in receipt of Universal Credit, the younger partner can access the same employment support that is available for customers below State Pension Age, including dedicated employment support for customers over the age of 50. The pension-age partner is placed in the no-work related requirements group.”
The minister highlighted government efforts to combat poverty through Universal Credit, noting a first-time sustained above-inflation increase. From April 2026, the standard allowance rises by 3.8%, followed by 2.3%.
Policy Changes and Criticisms
Prior to 2019, mixed-age couples could choose between Pension Credit and working-age benefits. That year, the government shifted them to working-age household status for means-tested support. Age UK labeled this change unfair, warning it disadvantages pensioners with younger partners, potentially making them financially better off living separately.
Independent Age, a charity addressing later-life poverty, calls for scrapping the rule. Government data shows affected couples lose about £5,900 annually, with some up to £7,000. Chief Executive Joanna Elson CBE said: “Our helpline received a call from a 79-year-old who was unable to claim Pension Credit because their partner is 59. Under the mixed-age couples rule, they will have to wait until they are 87 before they can access this life-changing financial support.”
She continued: “The UK Government has created a flawed system where two people of the same age can be treated completely differently just because one has a younger partner. The mixed-age couples rule is unfair and must end. It is wrong that older people on a low-income with younger partners are locked out of vital financial support, forcing them to wait years for entitlements like Pension Credit.”
Elson emphasized support for couples where the younger partner works low-paid jobs, faces health issues, or cares for the older one. She argued: “Who you fall in love with and choose to spend your later years with should not determine how much financial support you receive. Far too many older couples are forced to live on tiny incomes because of this rule. It’s time for the UK Government to reverse it.”
