Retirement Planning With Arthritis: Pensions, Benefits and Practical Steps (UK)

Name: Retirement Planning With Arthritis: UK Guide | LWA
Creator: Louis Maxwell

Written by Louis Maxwell — First Contact Practitioner, HCPC PH128483.

Written by the Living With Arthritis team · pending clinical review by Louis Maxwell (HCPC PH128483)

Quick answer: If you have arthritis, start planning retirement early: check your State Pension age and forecast on GOV.UK, protect your National Insurance record if you cut your hours or stop work, ask your pension scheme about ill-health early retirement, and claim PIP before State Pension age if you are eligible, because new claims after that age are not usually possible.

Checked on 10 October 2026 against GOV.UK: The new State Pension, GOV.UK: Early retirement, your pension and benefits and GOV.UK: PIP eligibility. This is general information, not financial advice. Pension decisions can be hard to reverse, so get free guidance before you act.

Arthritis can change how you think about retirement. Some people need to stop work earlier than planned, or cut their hours. Others want to keep working for longer but in a different way. And everyone wants a retirement where pain and stiffness do not stop them doing the things that matter. A little planning, ideally several years ahead, can protect your income and your independence.

1. Check your State Pension age and forecast

Your State Pension age is the earliest age you can get the State Pension. GOV.UK has a free tool that tells you your State Pension age, your Pension Credit qualifying age and when you will be eligible for free bus travel. The State Pension age is reviewed regularly, so check it again from time to time. There is no longer a default retirement age, so you can keep working after you reach State Pension age.

The State Pension forecast on GOV.UK shows how much you could get and your National Insurance record. On 10 October 2026, GOV.UK said:

the full rate of the new State Pension was £241.30 a week
you need 10 qualifying years on your National Insurance record to get any new State Pension
if your record started after April 2016, you need 35 qualifying years for the full rate; people who were "contracted out" usually need more

2. Protect your National Insurance record

If arthritis means you work fewer hours, take long periods off sick or stop work, your National Insurance record can develop gaps. That can reduce your State Pension. National Insurance credits fill gaps in some situations. GOV.UK lists, for example:

Your situation	Credits
Getting Employment and Support Allowance	Class 1 credits, automatically (apply for New Style ESA to get them)
On Statutory Sick Pay but not earning enough for a qualifying year	Class 1 credits, by applying to HMRC
Getting Universal Credit	Class 3 credits, automatically
Getting Carer's Allowance, or Carer Support Payment in Scotland	Class 1 credits, automatically
Caring for one or more sick or disabled people for at least 20 hours a week, without Carer's Allowance	Class 3 Carer's Credit, by applying

If you still have gaps, you may be able to pay voluntary National Insurance contributions. There are deadlines for filling gaps, and paying is not always worthwhile, so check your forecast first and get guidance from the Future Pension Centre or MoneyHelper before paying.

This is one reason why claiming the benefits you are entitled to matters even if the amount seems small. See our ESA and Universal Credit guide.

3. Workplace and personal pensions

GOV.UK says that when you can take money from a workplace or personal pension depends on your scheme's rules, but it is usually after you are 55. You may be able to take it earlier if you are retiring early because of ill health.

Ill-health early retirement. Many schemes have ill-health rules. GOV.UK says you might be able to get higher payments if you need to take your pension early because of a health condition. Schemes usually ask for medical evidence and set their own tests, often about whether you can do your job, or any job, in future. Ask your scheme for its rules in writing.
Smaller pots. GOV.UK warns that a pension pot will probably be smaller if you retire early, because it has had less time to grow.
Beware of scams. GOV.UK warns that some companies offer to help you get money out of your pension before 55; this could be an unauthorised payment taxed at up to 55%.
Effect on benefits. Taking a pension early can reduce income-related benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and income-related ESA. New Style ESA is reduced by half of any private pension over £85 a week.

Free guidance: Pension Wise

GOV.UK says you can get free guidance on your retirement savings from MoneyHelper. Its Pension Wise service covers defined contribution pensions. If you are over 50, you can book a free appointment. MoneyHelper says you may also qualify if you are under 50 and retiring early because of poor health. Pension Wise does not cover the State Pension or "final salary" and "career average" pensions; ask your scheme about those.

4. Before you stop work early

Retiring early because of arthritis is sometimes the right choice, but explore other options first, because work often provides income, pension contributions, routine and social contact.

Have you asked for reasonable adjustments, flexible working or a change of role? See our working with arthritis toolkit.
Could Access to Work pay for equipment, travel or support?
Has your GP or rheumatology team done a full review of your treatment? Sometimes a change in treatment makes a big difference.
Could you reduce your hours gradually, or take a career break?
If your employer is suggesting you leave, get advice first. Your rights under the Equality Act 2010 may apply.

If you are self-employed

Self-employed people do not have an employer pension scheme or ill-health retirement rules to fall back on, so planning matters even more. Check your State Pension forecast for gaps, especially in years when profits were low, because GOV.UK explains that some self-employed people can pay voluntary contributions to protect their record. If you have a personal pension, ask the provider whether it allows early access on ill-health grounds and what evidence it needs. If arthritis is reducing what you can do, think about whether Access to Work, a change in the services you offer, or working fewer days could help you keep going for longer on your own terms. Free Pension Wise guidance is available to you in the same way as employees.

5. PIP and State Pension age: claim in time

This is easy to miss. GOV.UK says that if you are over State Pension age, you cannot usually make a new claim for PIP; you can apply for Attendance Allowance instead. The exception is if you got PIP or Adult Disability Payment in the last 12 months.

If you are already getting PIP when you reach State Pension age, it can continue as long as you still meet the conditions (regulation 25 of the PIP Regulations 2013). Attendance Allowance has no mobility part, so if walking is a problem, it can be worth claiming PIP before you reach State Pension age. Our complete PIP guide explains how.

In Scotland, Adult Disability Payment replaces PIP, and Pension Age Disability Payment replaces Attendance Allowance. If you already get ADP when you reach State Pension age, you stay on it.

6. Help after State Pension age

Attendance Allowance (Pension Age Disability Payment in Scotland): £76.70 or £114.60 a week in 2026/27 if you need help with personal care or supervision, usually for at least 6 months. Not means-tested.
Pension Credit: tops up weekly income to £238 if single or £363.25 for a couple (2026/27). It can also unlock other help. Northern Ireland has its own Pension Credit service through nidirect.
Free prescriptions in England from age 60 (prescriptions are free for everyone in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland).
Free bus travel in England from State Pension age, and in Wales from 60. London has its own scheme from 60 within London. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own schemes.
Winter Fuel Payment or, in Scotland, Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.

Our financial help directory lists more support.

7. Deferring your State Pension

You do not have to claim your State Pension as soon as you reach State Pension age. GOV.UK says that for every 9 weeks you defer, you get 1% added to your regular weekly pension for life, if you defer for at least 9 weeks. Whether this makes sense depends on your health, other income and benefits. If you get certain benefits, deferring may not increase your income. Get guidance before deciding.

8. Lasting power of attorney

Arthritis does not affect your mental capacity, but planning ahead is sensible for everyone. A lasting power of attorney (LPA) lets you appoint people you trust to help make decisions, or make them for you, if you cannot. In England and Wales, there are two types: health and welfare, and property and financial affairs. GOV.UK said registering an LPA cost £92 on 10 October 2026, unless you get a reduction or exemption, and takes 8 to 10 weeks if there are no mistakes. A property and financial affairs LPA can be used as soon as it is registered, with your permission, which can help if arthritis makes banking or paperwork harder. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different systems.

9. Plan a home and routine that suit your joints

Think about your home before you need to. Stairs, a bath without a shower, a long garden or a hilly location can become harder. Small adaptations now, or a move to somewhere more suitable while you have the energy to plan it, can make retirement easier.
Get an occupational therapy assessment through your council for equipment and adaptations. A Disabled Facilities Grant may help in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Keep moving. Regular, appropriate exercise is a core treatment for osteoarthritis and helps with strength and balance as you age. Retirement can be a chance to build it into your routine.
Plan your social life. Work often provides company. Think about groups, volunteering or classes that fit your energy levels.
Think about care and who could help if your needs increase. If a partner or relative helps, they may be able to get carer support; see our Carer's Allowance guide.

A retirement planning checklist

☐ I have checked my State Pension age and forecast on GOV.UK.
☐ I have checked my National Insurance record for gaps and whether credits apply.
☐ I have asked each pension scheme for a statement and its ill-health retirement rules.
☐ I have booked free Pension Wise guidance (if I have a defined contribution pension).
☐ I have checked whether I should claim PIP or ADP before State Pension age.
☐ I have used a benefits calculator to see how retiring would affect my income.
☐ I have thought about making a lasting power of attorney.
☐ I have thought about whether my home will suit me in 10 or 20 years.

Free, independent help

MoneyHelper (including Pension Wise), Citizens Advice, Turn2us, Scope, Disability Rights UK and Age UK offer free information. For State Pension questions, contact the Future Pension Centre or the Pension Service. Regulated financial advisers usually charge a fee. We are not connected to any of these organisations.

When to get medical help

If arthritis is making you think about stopping work, ask your GP or rheumatology team for a treatment review first. Speak to your GP if pain, stiffness or fatigue are getting worse, if you are having falls, or if worry about money or the future is affecting your mood. Get same-day advice from your GP or NHS 111 if a joint suddenly becomes hot, swollen and very painful, especially with fever.

Frequently asked questions

Can I retire early because of arthritis?

You cannot get your State Pension before State Pension age, but many workplace and personal pension schemes allow ill-health early retirement. Ask your scheme for its rules and get guidance before deciding.

Can I claim PIP after State Pension age?

Not usually as a new claim, unless you had PIP or Adult Disability Payment in the last 12 months. You can claim Attendance Allowance instead. If you already get PIP, it can continue.

Will stopping work affect my State Pension?

It can, if it leaves gaps in your National Insurance record. Credits may fill gaps if you get ESA, Universal Credit or Carer's Allowance, for example. Check your forecast on GOV.UK.

How much is the full new State Pension?

On 10 October 2026, GOV.UK said the full rate was £241.30 a week. Your amount depends on your National Insurance record.

Where can I get free pension guidance?

MoneyHelper's Pension Wise service offers free guidance on defined contribution pensions if you are over 50, and in some cases earlier if you are retiring because of poor health.

Does taking my pension early affect my benefits?

It can reduce income-related benefits such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit, and New Style ESA is reduced if you get more than £85 a week from a private pension. Use a benefits calculator first.

Sources and further reading

Educational information for people in the United Kingdom — not legal, financial or personal medical advice. Benefit rules and rates change, so always check GOV.UK (or mygov.scot / nidirect) and get free advice before you act. Charity no. 1218461. Pending clinical and editorial review. Everyone's situation is different, so always follow the advice of your own GP, pharmacist or rheumatology team. If you feel very unwell, call 999 or go to A&E. For urgent advice, contact NHS 111.

Continue with related help

Complete PIP guide — claim before State Pension age
Financial help directory — benefits and grants
Working with arthritis toolkit — staying in work longer
Carer's Allowance — help for carers
Fall prevention — staying steady

Last updated 2026-10-10. This is general information, not a substitute for personalised medical advice.