STATE PENSION ELIGIBILITY DATES

That this House calls upon the Government to amend Regulation 22 and Schedule 6 of the Social Security (Claims and Payments) Regulations 1968 (S.I., 1987/1968) so that pensioners can claim their state pension from the date of the birthday on which they become eligible rather than requiring them to wait to the beginning of the following week; notes that most people would prefer to receive their pension payment while they are alive, rather than under the current arrangements whereby pension continues to be paid for the full week during which individuals pass away; and further notes that this change would make a significant improvement to the financial well-being of the poorest pensioners at a time of considerable financial change and uncertainty in their lives.