Thousands of older Britons risk losing vital financial support under sweeping welfare reforms that will tighten access to disability benefits.
Experts have warned that those in poor health could be left without a safety net, facing financial hardship if they are deemed ineligible for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) while still too young to claim their state pension.
The changes announced by Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall will make it harder to qualify for the daily living component of PIP, which currently supports 3.6 million people with long-term physical or mental health conditions.
Under the new rules, applicants will need to score at least four points for a single activity, rather than qualifying through lower scores across multiple tasks.
This change aims to save £5billion annually by 2030 but has raised concerns among disability advocates about pushing vulnerable individuals further into poverty.
David Sinclair, Chief Executive of the International Longevity Centre UK (ILC), has cautioned that any squeeze on PIP could have unintended consequences, particularly for those in their 60 at a time when they need it most.
He said: "A squeeze on ill-health benefits could mean increased numbers of people in their 60s are left with no access to a safety net – whether in the form of disability benefits or state pension payments – just when they need it most.
The closures come as Santander cites a shift towards digital bankingGETTY"In 2023/24, the state pension cost around £125 billion and will increase to an estimated £138bn this year.
"As our population ages, forecasts indicate that if we keep the state pension age at 66, total costs will continue to climb significantly."
With state pension age set to rise to 67 by 2028, and further hikes likely in the future, those unable to work due to health conditions could find themselves without any financial support for years.
PIP assessments currently involve scoring tasks like preparing food, washing and dressing on a scale from zero to 12, evaluated by health professionals.
The daily living component pays a standard rate of £72.65 per week or an enhanced rate of £108.55 per week.
From November 2026, claimants will need to score at least four points for one activity, rather than qualifying through lower scores across multiple tasks.
A modest increase to the basic Universal Credit rate is expected for those actively seeking workPAFor example, needing help to wash your hair or body below the waist currently scores two points, while assistance washing between shoulders and waist scores four points.
The mobility element payments, which remain unchanged, are £28.70 for the standard rate and £75.75 for the enhanced rate per week.
The changes will disproportionately impact older adults, with one in 20 people over state pension age currently receiving PIP.
Hannah Karim, Lead Care Expert at Online care Finder Lottie, said: "We have seen a sharp rise in poverty in older generations, and today's update is another blow.
Liz Kendall outlined changes to the benefit systemPA"At Lottie, each day we hear thousands of families worrying about money when it comes to care. Feeling their future and level of care is in jeopardy because of the lack of support compared to rising care fees."
With state pension costs forecast to climb significantly if the pension age remains at 66, there are growing concerns about sustainable support for an ageing population.
Karim believes the UK needs a longer-term solution to make care more affordable.
She said: "We believe the UK needs a longer term solution to make care more affordable, not policies that risk making it even harder for those in need to access affordable and high quality support."
