Calls for early access to State Pension for the terminally ill backed by MP Martyn

The age we receive our State Pension is a matter that is reserved to the UK Government. Over recent years there has been much publicity around this, particularly relating to 1950s born women.

The State Pension Age is now planned to rise to 67 years between 2026 and 2028, with a further review to consider that it rises even further to 68 years.

Marie Curie commissioned research from Loughborough University that revealed more than 90,000 people die in poverty every year, with 28 per cent of those under 65 years diagnosed with a terminal illness being most at risk. Martyn Day, MP for Linlithgow and East Falkirk, commented: “This report shows people who are diagnosed with a terminal illness face unexpected financial hardships that push them into poverty; and that working age people are hit hardest. Sadly, working age benefits are failing to prevent this cohort from falling below the poverty line.

“Moreover, it is a reasonable assertion that the number of working age people dying in poverty will increase in line with the rise in State Pension Age.

“Early access to the State Pension for terminally ill people would help to prevent financial hardship during an exceptionally challenging time and reduce the risk of falling into poverty during the last years of life.

“I support Marie Curie’s important campaign that calls on the UK Government to give working age people who are diagnosed with a terminal illness access to their State Pension.”