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State Retirement Pensions: Terminal Illnesses

Asked by Paulette HamiltonLabourDepartment for Work and PensionsTabled Answered 13 October 2025UIN 76866

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will take steps to expand the scope of the terms of reference for the Pensions Commission to enable it to consider the potential merits of allowing people of working age with a terminal illness to access the State Pension.

Answered by Torsten Bell

The Terms of Reference for the Pensions Commission, which set out the scope for the Commission, were published on the 21st July. As set out in their Terms of Reference, the Commissioners will consider what is required in the long term to deliver financial security in retirement through a pensions framework that is stronger, fairer and more sustainable. The Commissioners will engage with a wide range of issues relevant to their terms of reference and will publish their findings in due course.

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