Understanding State Pension: Frequently Asked Questions

INTRODUCTION

At first, navigating the UK state pension system may seem overwhelming. When you reach state pension age, this crucial component of the UK’s social security system is designed to give qualifying retirees a steady income. Planning your retirement involves knowing how it operates, who qualifies, how much you may get and when. We will cover these points below.

STATE PENSION FORECAST

• Can I check my state pension forecast?

  Yes, there are 3 ways to obtain it.

  1. Online using the Government Gateway. If you do not have login details to can register.

  2. You an complete a BR19 form.

  3. You can contact the Future Pension Centre by telephone on 0800 731 0175 Monday to Friday.

  4. You can write to the Future Pension Centre at:-

     The Pension Service 9,

     Mail Handling Site A

     Wolverhampton

     WV98 1LU

     United Kingdom

• What is a state pension forecast?

  The state pension forecast can help you:-

  Understand how much State Pension you could get

  Know when you can get it

  Learn how to increase where possible

• Can I get a state pension forecast if I am already in receipt?

  if you have deferred or are currently receiving it, you are not eligible to use the state pension forecast service.

• What is a BR19 Form?

  This is an application form for a state pension forecast. It is designed for those who cannot use the Government Gateway system and want to receive their information by post.

• How can I get a BR19 Form for a State Pension Forecast?

  You can get one by clicking here.

• Are state pension forecasts accurate?

  Your forecast factors in a number of assumptions and should be used as an estimate or a guide. As part of your planning, it is also worthwhile getting forecasts when you review your arrangments.

STATE PENSION AGE

• What is a state pension age?

  It is the earliest you can start to receive your state pension.

• How can I check my state pension age?

  You can visit the government’s sit by clicking here. It can also tell you your Pension Credit qualifying age

  when you’ll be eligible for a free bus pass

• Wht information will I need to check my state pension age?

  All you will need is your date of birth.

DELAYING OR DEFERRING YOUR STATE PENSION

• Do I automatically get the state pension?

  No, you have to claim it. You should get a letter a few months before you reach state pension age advising your of your options.

• If a do nothing, will I automatically receive it?

  No, unless you claim the state pension it will be deferred until you claim it.

• Will deferring the state pension increase the payments when I do receive it?

  You could potentially receive a greater payment.

• How can I claim my state pension?

  You can claim your state pension in the following way:-

  1. Online

  2. By calling the Pension Service on 0800 731 7898

  3. By post. You need to request a form on the number above, complete it then post it to:

  Pension Service 8

  Post Handling Site B

  Wolverhampton

  WV98 1AF

PAYMENT

• How often is the state pension paid?

  The state pension is usually pain into your nominated back account every 4 weeks.

• Do all state pensions get paid on the same date?

  Payment dates depend on your national insurance number. Ifyou normal payment date falls on a Bank Holiday than you will usually be paid earlier.

DIVORCE

• What happens to your state pension on divorce?

  In the event of a divorce or the dissolution of a civil partnership, a 'pension sharing order' can be issued by the courts. This means you may receive an additional sum on top of your State Pension if your former spouse is mandated to divide their Additional State Pension or protected payment with you. Conversely, if you are required to divide your Additional State Pension or protected payment with your ex-partner, your State Pension will decrease accordingly.