Written Question·Department for Work and Pensions·UIN 115212

Pensioners: Social Security Benefits

Tabled: 23 February 2026
Answered: 27 February 2026

Question

Siân Berry

Green PartyBrighton Pavilion

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate he has made of the number of people in poverty as a result of the rule preventing mixed-age couples from claiming pension-age benefits until the youngest partner reaches State Pension age.

Answer

Sir Stephen Timms
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. The requirement for mixed age couples to seek financial support from the workin...

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