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A DWP minister spoke about some key changes coming up
The DWP has issued a statement over major changes that will impact people within a particular age bracket. DWP minister Diana Johnson discussed upcoming changes that could affect people’s income.
The announcement came after a written parliamentary question from Reform UK MP Lee Anderson. Mr Anderson asked about measures are being brought in “to help improve employment opportunities for older people”. Ms Johnson delivered the Government’s response. She said: “Work helps everyone play active and fulfilling roles in society while building financial security for retirement, and we recognise the wealth of skills and experience that older workers bring both to the workplace and the economy.
“We are committed to supporting workers over the age of 50 through a wide-ranging strategy that promotes age-inclusive employment practices, flexible working, and progression and career development.” She went on outline the help on offer for this demographic.
Ms Johnson said: “We have a dedicated offer for older workers within jobcentres, including our 50PLUS Champions who provide a critical layer of support to ensure the needs of older jobseekers are met. We also offer a Midlife MOT, which helps people to review their health, finances and skills and signpost to suitable support.”
The Midlife MOT is a Government initiative available to anyone aged between 45 and 65. It offers tools to assist you in considering your career prospects, health and financial planning.
Regarding your finances, the programme can support you in preparing a retirement budget and also exploring your benefit entitlements, such as Universal Credit or the state pension.
Boosting income
Ms Johnson outlined what other support is available: “Our Employer and Partnership Teams in jobcentres work with a range of employers and partners to enhance the skills and employment support available locally for customers.” Looking to the future, the minister also set out plans for further help for older workers.
She said: “As part of our plans to Get Britain Working and create a new Jobs and Careers Service, we are committed to reforming employment support to ensure it is inclusive and meets the needs of our customers. We are considering the support we offer to those aged 50 and over so that they can access support to find good, meaningful work, and help them progress in work or increase their earnings.”
It may be worthwhile checking your benefit eligibility using an online benefits calculator. The Turn2us website has a calculator tool for this purpose.
When making arrangements for your retirement years, you may want to take into account your expected state pension amount. Currently, Britons can access their private pensions from the age of 55, although this threshold is set to rise to 57 from April 2028.
However, people must wait longer to claim their state pension, which becomes available when they turn 66. This qualifying age is due to increase shortly, rising gradually from April 2026 to reach 67 by April 2028.
The full new state pension presently provides £230.25 weekly. People require 35 years of National Insurance contributions to qualify for this sum.
Payments increase each April under the triple lock mechanism, which will raise payments by 4.8 per cent this April. People can find out their projected state pension entitlement using the state pension forecast tool available on the Government website.
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