When you reach 65 if you are a man, or 60 if you are a woman you can claim a State Retirement Pension. The age at which women can claim State Retirement Pension is going to gradually change to 65 during the period 2010 to 2020, but, if you are a woman who was born before 5th April 1950 you will still be able to claim your State Retirement Pension when you are 60.
The amount of State Retirement Pension you get depends on your National Insurance Contributions record, or the record of your spouse, late spouse, or, from 21 December 2005, your civil partner. The amount of National Insurance Contributions you have paid usually depends on how much money you or your partner have earned through employment or through being self-employed.
Many women, disabled people and carers, and people who have come to the UK from abroad do not get a full basic State Pension. An alternative pension for those aged 80 or over who did not have enough national insurance to get the State Pension is also available.
How much is it?
Basic State Pension, depending on national insurance records (April 2007 - April 2008, weekly amount)
Based on your own or your late spouse's or, from late December 2005, your late civil partner's national insurance contributions £87.30
Based on your spouse's or your civil partner's national insurance contributions £52.30
Increase for spouse or civil partner under 60 or person looking after children £52.30
Increase for children (only paid with existing claims)
For first child £9.00
For each additional child £11.35
Non-contributory Over 80 pension £49.15
You may also be entitled to Additional State Pension (also known as SERPS or State Second Pension), Graduated Retirement Benefit from the period April 1961 and April 1975, a Long-term Incapacity Benefit Age Addition to State Pension, or Extra State Pension for dependants. There is also an Age Addition of a mere 25p a week paid to anyone aged 80 or over on top of their State Pension.
Update - The government is considering future changes to State Pensions.and retirement. You can read more about pension reform (external website).
Need more help? Live in Manchester? Send us an email or book an appointment with the Online Adviser
Information on other websites
The Pension Service
Government information about State Retirement Pension, additional amounts and how to claim.
Also has a State Pension Age calculator, which tells you the date on which you will qualify for a State Retirement Pension, plus information on how to apply for a State Pension Forecast.
Adviceguide
Information from Citizen's Advice about Retirement Pension and benefits for people over 60
Need more help? Live in Manchester? Send us an email
Information Provider:
Manchester Advice
Date Reviewed:
8 May 2007
This information is for guidance only and is not an authoritative statement on the law. Please read our Terms and Conditions.
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