Published 22 July 2026
A cross-party group of MPs has called on the Government to increase Universal Credit payments for people aged 66, warning that the rising State Pension age is pushing a growing number of older people into financial hardship. The recommendation comes in the Work and Pensions Committee’s Transition to State Pension Age report, which asks ministers to consult on additional support with a view to introducing a temporary measure by the end of 2026.
The State Pension age is climbing in stages and is due to reach 67 by April 2028. The practical effect is that people who once qualified for the State Pension at 66 now face a further year on working-age benefits. The Committee put figures on the gap, the standard Universal Credit payment sits at around £425 a month, while Pension Credit guarantees roughly £1,031 a month once someone reaches State Pension age. That is a difference of about £600 a month for people in the same circumstances a year apart.
MPs warned the gap falls hardest on people in poor health, those with caring responsibilities and those who have already left work for health reasons. That description covers a large share of the people who buy mobility equipment. Someone at 66 managing arthritis, a heart condition or the aftermath of a stroke is often out of work, not yet on Pension Credit, and facing a four figure bill for a stairlift or a bathroom adaptation at exactly the point their income is at its lowest.
The report matters for equipment funding in a second, less obvious way. Pension Credit acts as a passport benefit for a range of other support, and in many local authority areas it also affects how a Disabled Facilities Grant means test lands. Reaching that threshold a year later can therefore delay access to funded adaptations, not just reduce weekly income.
The Government has not yet responded to the recommendations, and any change would require a consultation first. In the meantime, anyone facing a gap between leaving work and reaching State Pension age should check eligibility for a Disabled Facilities Grant through their local council, which is means tested but is not tied to Pension Credit specifically, and can cover up to £30,000 in England toward adaptations including stairlifts, level access showers and ramps.
Our stairlift costs guide sets out what to budget, and if cost is the main barrier, stairlift rental is often cheaper than purchase for a temporary need. For bathroom adaptations, our bathroom mobility guide covers walk-in showers, baths and grab rails. The full report is available from the Work and Pensions Committee, and coverage is at THIIS Magazine.
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Published 22 July 2026
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