The UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that a specific group of pensioners will be ineligible for Pension Credit, regardless of their financial situation. This primarily affects those in mixed-age relationships where one partner is below the State Pension age of 66. The currently established Pension Credit aims to assist individuals over the State Pension age who have a low income, helping to ensure they receive a minimum guaranteed income level. It also facilitates access to additional benefits that can aid with healthcare and housing expenses.

The rule that disqualifies couples where one partner is under the pension age has raised concerns among advocates for the elderly. Lib Dem MP Liz Jarvis has voiced her discontent, questioning the fairness of the policy and its impacts on those low-income couples who are not eligible for Pension Credit due to this age disqualification. The financial implications for these couples can be significant, as they miss out on essential support that could help cover living costs in an increasingly challenging economic environment.

In her correspondence to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Jarvis has called for a thorough assessment to understand the effects of this rule on low-income couples. The ongoing discussions highlight the need for a re-evaluation of the current benefits system to accommodate those in mixed-age relationships, offering them the necessary support while addressing the broader issues of poverty and living expenses among the elderly. The future of Pension Credit and its eligibility criteria remain a critical topic as the government navigates its welfare policies and the economic situation facing many Britons today.