Latest news with #BasicStatePension
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
State pensioners born before certain date will lose £216 to DWP
State pensioners born before 1951 are receiving up to £2,797 less annually in State Pension payments. Men born before April 6, 1951 and women born before April 6, 1953, are entitled to the basic State Pension. But the old, Basic rate is currently valued at £176.45 per week compared to the new State Pension, which is paid at a rate of £230.25 per week if you receive the full amount – £53.80 more per week or £216 a month. According to research published by House of Commons Library, there were an estimated 12.95 million state pensioners in Great Britain in 2024/25. Around two thirds (8.57 million pensioners) were claiming the pre - 2016 State Pension, while 4.38 million were new State Pension claimants. READ MORE State pensioners face working 'beyond age 70' because of 2015 rule The new State Pension was introduced in April 2016. New State Pension claimants are forecast to equal pre-2016 State Pension claimants by 2028/29. The basic State Pension (BSP) – a contributory flat-rate benefit to which people built entitlement on the basis of their National insurance (NI) record. The additional State Pension – this depended on the earnings or deemed earnings during their working life since 1978. People built up entitlement through the State Earnings Related Pension Scheme (SERPS) between 1978 and 2002, and the State Second Pension (S2P) from 2002 onwards. It was possible to contract out into a private pension scheme that met set requirements, in return for which the employee (and their employer) paid a lower rate of NI. The basic State Pension (BSP) was awarded to individuals who had claimed it, had reached State Pension age, and met the qualifying conditions.2 Entitlement was based on the number of qualifying years an individual had built up. A 'qualifying year' for the purposes of the basic State Pension is one in which a person has paid, been treated as having paid, or been credited with enough National Insurance contributions on their earnings for it to count as a qualifying year. For people reaching State Pension age before 6 April 2010, the number of qualifying years needed for a full basic State Pension was 44 for men and 39 for women. There were several ways people could increase their entitlement – such as paying voluntary NICs, deferring (delaying making a claim, to receive a higher rate at a later date), or claiming on the basis of the contribution record of a spouse or civil partner.
Daily Mirror
30-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
DWP payment that could boost your income to £1,362 a month
The DWP payment is given to people who are over the State Pension age and have a disability, long-term illness, physical or mental health condition Over 1.7 million people over the State Pension age across the UK are eligible to receive £1,362 each month through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Attendance Allowance, which is separate from the State Pension, offers additional financial aid for older people with a disability, long-term illness, or physical or mental health condition. Attendance Allowance isn't means-tested and is valued at either £73.90 for the lower rate or £110.40 for the higher rate each week. As this benefit is typically paid every four weeks, it equates to either £295.60 or £441.60 per payment period. The full New State Pension is currently valued at £230.25 per week, which amounts to £921 when paid every four weeks. Over the 2025/26 financial year, annual payments are worth £11,973, according to the Daily Record. However, it's crucial to note that not all of the 4.1 million people on the New State Pension receive the full amount as it is tied to National Insurance Contributions. The full Basic State Pension is now worth £176.45 per week, or £705.80 every four-week payment period. Over the 2025/26 financial year, annual payments are worth £9,175.40. To check your own future State Pension payments, use the online forecasting tool on here. The sum awarded for Attendance Allowance hinges on the degree of assistance needed. This benefit is intended to aid individuals of State Pension age with daily living costs due to their health condition, enabling them to retain independence in their own home for an extended period. There is no mobility component linked to Attendance Allowance. Health conditions supported by Attendance Allowance The conditions listed below are sourced from information recorded on the DWP's Attendance Allowance system: Multiple Sclerosis Psychoneurosis Cystic Fibrosis Infectious diseases: Viral disease - Coronavirus covid-19 Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia Double Amputee Frailty Major Trauma Other than Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia Total Parenteral Nutrition Multiple Allergy Syndrome Neurological Diseases Learning Difficulties Renal Disorders Epilepsy Respiratory Disorders and Diseases Multi System Disorders AIDS Dementia Severely Mentally impaired Hearing Disorders Alcohol and Drug Abuse Spondylosis Malignant Disease Skin Disease Arthritis Asthma Visual Disorders and Diseases Deaf/Blind Metabolic Disease Haemophilia Haemodialysis Behavioural Disorder Bowel and Stomach Disease Diabetes Mellitus Inflammatory Bowel Disease Parkinsons Disease Psychosis Disease Of The Muscles, Bones or Joints Back Pain Hyperkinetic Syndrome Blood Disorders Heart Disease Motor Neurone Disease Personality Disorder Trauma to Limbs Peripheral vascular Disease Cerebrovascular Disease Chronic Pain Syndromes Here's a brief rundown of what you need to know about Attendance Allowance, including how to kick-start your application. Comprehensive information about claiming Attendance Allowance can be found on the website here. Who can claim? You should consider applying for Attendance Allowance if you have a disability or illness and require assistance or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night - even if you're not currently receiving that help. If you struggle with personal tasks, such as needing a long time to complete them, experiencing pain, or requiring physical assistance like leaning on a chair, you should consider applying. Attendance Allowance isn't solely for individuals with a physical disability or illness.
Daily Record
21-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
People on State Pension of less than £106 each week could be due extra money
There are also 760,000 older people eligible for a State Pension top-up of £4,300 annual income top-up. Pension Credit – Could you or someone you know be eligible? The latest statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show the State Pension currently provides a regular financial income for 13 million older people across the country, including more than one million retirees living in Scotland. This payment is available for those who have reached the UK Government's eligible retirement age, which is currently 66 for both men and women, and have paid at least 10 years' worth of National Insurance (NI) contributions. However, people over 80 who have no Basic State Pension income or have a weekly income of less than £105.70 each week, could be due extra money to help them with daily living expenses. The 'Over 80 Pension' currently gives older people £105.70 each week if they are receiving no Basic State Pension, or makes up the difference to that amount. People over 80 on a low income may also be eligible for Pension Credit, which could provide more than £4,300 in extra financial support over the 2025/26 financial year. Claiming the 'Over 80 Pension' It's important to be aware you cannot get the 'Over 80 Pension' if you reached State Pension age on or after April 6, 2016 - if you have, you are eligible for the New State Pension. The guidance on states you can claim the over 80 pension if all of the following apply: You are 80 or over You do not get Basic State Pension or your Basic State Pension is less than £105.70 a week You were resident in the UK for at least 10 years out of 20 (this does not have to be 10 years in a row) - this 20 year period must include the day before you turned 80 or any day after You were 'ordinarily resident' in the UK, the Isle of Man or Gibraltar on your 80th birthday or the date you made the claim for this pension, if later If you live in or are moving to a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland, find out about pensions and benefits for UK nationals in the EU, EEA and Switzerland on here. Your eligibility for the over 80 pension is not based on National Insurance contributions. How to claim You can get a claim form from either: your local Jobcentre Plus the Pension Service The earliest you can claim is three months before your 80th birthday. You can get a claim form sent to you from the Pension Service by calling 0800 731 7898. Full details on here. Pension Credit Nearly 1.4m older people across Great Britain, including more than 125,000 living in Scotland, are currently receiving the means-tested benefit that could provide an average of £4,300 in support during the year ahead. However, the latest figures from the DWP suggest there are still 760,000 eligible pensioners not claiming the benefit they are entitled to. Some older people think because they have savings or own their home they would not be eligible for the means-tested benefit, which can also provide access to help with housing costs, hearing bills and Council Tax. An award of just £1 per week is enough to unlock other support. Pension Credit tops up weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level of £227.10 a week for single pensioners or £346.60 for couples. It is a tax-free payment for those who: have reached Pension Credit qualifying age, which is State Pension age, and live in Great Britain Quickest way to check eligibility for Pension Credit Older people, or friends and family, can quickly check their eligibility and get an estimate of what they may receive by using the online Pension Credit calculator on here. Alternatively, pensioners can contact the Pension Credit helpline directly to make a claim on 0800 99 1234 - lines are open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Expert help and advice is also available from: Independent Age Income Max Citizens Advice Age UK Pension Credit gives people extra money to help with their living costs if they are over State Pension age and on a low income. It can also provide access to a range of other benefits. The benefit tops up income to a minimum of £227.10 per week for single pensioners and £346.60 for couples - more if a person has a disability or caring responsibilities. Other help if you get Pension Credit If you qualify for Pension Credit you can also get other help, such as: Housing Benefit if you rent the property you live in Support for Mortgage Interest if you own the property you live in Council Tax discount Free TV licence if you are aged 75 or over Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments Help with your heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme A discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you are moving house Mixed aged older couples and Pension Credit In May 2019, the law changed so a 'mixed age couple' - a couple where one partner is of State Pension age and the other is under it - are considered to be a 'working age' couple when checking entitlement to means-tested benefits. This means they cannot claim Pension Credit or pension age Housing Benefit until they are both State Pension age. Before this DWP change, a mixed age couple could be eligible to claim the more generous State Pension age benefits when just one of them reached State Pension age. How to use the Pension Credit calculator To use the calculator on you will need details of: earnings, benefits and pensions savings and investments You'll need the same details for your partner if you have one. You will be presented by a series of questions with multiple choice answer options. This includes: Your date of birth Your residential status Where in the UK you live Whether you are registered blind Which benefits you currently receive How much you receive each week for any benefits you get Whether someone is paid Carer's Allowance to look after you How much you get each week from pensions - State Pension, private and work pensions Any employment earnings Any savings, investments or bonds you have Once you have answered these questions, a summary screen shows your responses, allowing you to go back and change any answers before submitting. The Pension Credit calculator then displays how much benefit you could receive each week. All you have to do then is follow the link to the application page to find out exactly what you will get from the DWP, including access to other financial support. There's also an option to print off the answers you give using the calculator tool to help you complete the application form quicker without having to look out the same details again. Try the Pension Credit Calculator for yourself or your family member to make sure you're receiving all the financial support you are entitled to claim. Who cannot use the Pension Credit calculator? You cannot use the calculator if you or your partner: are deferring your State Pension own more than one property are self employed have housing costs (such as service charges or Crown Tenant rent) which are neither mortgage repayments nor rent covered by Housing Benefit How to make a claim You can start your application up to four months before you reach State Pension age. You can claim any time after you reach State Pension age but your claim can only be backdated for three months. This means you can get up to three months of Pension Credit in your first payment if you were eligible during that time. You will need: your National Insurance number information about your income, savings and investments your bank account details, if you're applying by phone or by post If you're backdating your claim, you'll need details of your income, savings and investments on the date you want your claim to start. Apply online You can use the online service if: you have already claimed your State Pension there are no children or young people included in your claim To check your entitlement, phone the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234 or use the Pension Credit calculator here to find out how much you could get.
Daily Mirror
21-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
People on Basic State Pension told to check for payment errors
DWP wants people to get in touch if they think their pension is wrong Independent Age has shared a new State Pension factsheet, offering vital insights for older people who already receive the benefit, which is worth up to £230.25 each week, as well as those approaching retirement age. The informative guide delves into all aspects of the payments, clarifying the distinctions between the New and Basic State Pensions, the right time to claim, options for deferral, how the amount is determined, and potential tax obligations. Yet, it also addresses historical underpayments, prompting people on the Basic State Pension who might have missed out on National Insurance (NI) 'top-ups' to get in touch with the Pension Service for a recalculation if they suspect errors. A survey by Independent Age revealed that 41% of over-50s are worried about their post-retirement finances, with nearly half admitting to a lack of understanding regarding their financial prospects, including the State Pension, upon retiring, as reported by the Daily Record. Guidance from Independent Age reads: "If you qualify for Basic State Pension and can claim State Pension 'top-ups', these are usually calculated for you. But some people - particularly women who paid reduced NI rates - may have had their State Pension miscalculated and underpaid." "If you think this affects you, contact the Pension Service to ask them to recalculate your State Pension. You can do this whether you're claiming or delaying your State Pension. You can also contact our helpline to arrange to speak to an adviser." The comprehensive guide to the full State Pension is accessible on the Independent Age website here. Alternatively, you can reach out to them directly by dialling 0800 319 6789. State Pension historical errors The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has disclosed that a collaborative State Pensions correction initiative with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), running from January 8, 2024, to March 31, 2025, unearthed 12,379 cases of State Pension underpayments to women with erroneous National Insurance (NI) records. In 2022, the DWP detected several State Pension accounts where it seemed historic periods of Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) were absent, resulting in incorrect State Pension disbursements. To date, approximately £104 million in arrears have been compensated, averaging payments of £8,377 each. Pension expert Helen Morrissey is calling on seniors to fill out the online form or get in touch with the Pension Service if they suspect they've been impacted. This is following new findings from the DWP which highlight the primary reasons why recipients who have received a letter from HMRC to verify their State Pension – due to potential inaccuracies – haven't responded. HMRC has dispatched over 370,000 letters, primarily to women, encouraging them to review their State Pension payments as they may be entitled to a higher amount. However, research from the DWP suggests that most people who received a letter did not subsequently apply for HRP. The barriers included: Not understanding the letter Thinking the communication was a scam Reliance on digital methods to put in a claim HRP was a scheme established to safeguard the State Pension entitlements of parents and carers, which was superseded by NI credits from 6 April 2010. HMRC is utilising NI records to identify as many people as possible who may have been eligible for HRP between 1978 and 2010 and who do not have HRP on their NI record. After May 2000, it became compulsory to include a NI number on claims, so those who claimed after this date will not have been affected. You might still be able to apply for HRP, for full tax years (6 April to 5 April) between 1978 and 2010, if any of the following were true: you were claiming Child Benefit for a child under 16 you were caring for a child with your partner who claimed Child Benefit instead of you you were getting Income Support because you were caring for someone who was sick or disabled you were caring for a sick or disabled person who was claiming certain benefits You can also apply if, for a full tax year between 2003 and 2010, you were either: a foster carer caring for a friend or family member's child ('kinship carer') in Scotland Who qualified automatically for HRP The guidance on explains that most people got HRP automatically if they were: getting Child Benefit in their name for a child under the age of 16 and they had given the Child Benefit Office their National Insurance number getting Income Support and they did not need to register for work because they were caring for someone who was sick or disabled If your partner claimed Child Benefit instead of you If you reached State Pension age before April 6, 2008, you cannot transfer HRP. However, you may be able to transfer HRP from a partner you lived with if they claimed Child Benefit while you both cared for a child under 16 and they do not need the HRP. They can transfer the HRP to you for any 'qualifying years' they have on their National Insurance record between April 1978 and April 2010. This will be converted into National Insurance credits. Married women or widows You cannot get HRP for any complete tax year if you were a married woman or a widow and: you had chosen to pay reduced rate Class 1 National Insurance contributions as an employee (commonly known as the small stamp) you had chosen not to pay Class 2 National Insurance contributions when self-employed If you were caring for a sick or disabled person You can only claim HRP for the years you spent caring for someone with a long-term illness or disability between April 6, 1978 and April 5, 2002. You must have spent at least 35 hours a week caring for them and they must have been getting one of the following benefits: Attendance Allowance Disability Living Allowance at the middle or highest rate for personal care Constant Attendance Allowance The benefit must have been paid for 48 weeks of each tax year on or after April 6, 1988 or every week of each tax year before April 6, 1988. You can still apply if you are over State Pension age. You will not usually be paid any increase in State Pension that may have been due for previous years. If you were getting Carer's Allowance You do not need to apply for HRP if you were getting Carer's Allowance. You'll automatically get National Insurance credits and would not usually have needed HRP. If you were a foster carer or caring for a friend or family member's child You have to apply for HRP if, for a full tax year between 2003 and 2010, you were either: a foster carer caring for a friend or family member's child ('kinship carer') in Scotland Article continues below All of the following must also be true: you were not getting Child Benefit you were not in paid work you did not earn enough in a tax year for it to count towards the State Pension If you reached State Pension age on or after 6 April 2010 Any HRP you had for full tax years before April 6, 2010 was automatically converted into National Insurance credits, if you needed them, up to a maximum of 22 qualifying years. A full overview of HRP can be found on here.
Daily Record
21-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
People on Basic State Pension urged to check for historical DWP payment errors
The charity Independent Age has launched a handy State Pension factsheet providing essential information for older people already claiming the contributory benefit worth up to £230.25 each week, or those nearing the official age of retirement. The helpful guide covers everything you need to know about the payments, including the difference between the New and Basic, when to claim it, deferring, how the amount is calculated and when you might need to pay tax. However, it also takes a look at historical underpayments and urges those on the Basic State Pension who may have been due National Insurance (NI) 'top-ups' to contact the Pension Service to ask them to recalculate their State Pension if they think it might be wrong. A survey carried out by Independent Age found that 41 per cent of people aged 50 and over were anxious about their finances after retirement. Almost half said that they didn't have much knowledge of what financial options, including the State Pension, would be available to them once they retired. Independent Age guidance states: 'If you qualify for Basic State Pension and can claim State Pension 'top-ups', these are usually calculated for you. But some people - particularly women who paid reduced NI rates - may have had their State Pension miscalculated and underpaid. 'If you think this affects you, contact the Pension Service to ask them to recalculate your State Pension. You can do this whether you're claiming or delaying your State Pension. You can also contact our helpline to arrange to speak to an adviser.' The full State Pension help guide can be found on the Independent Age website here. You can also call them directly on 0800 319 6789. State Pension historical errors The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has said that between January 8, 2024 and March 31, 2025, a joint State Pensions corrections exercise with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), identified 12,379 State Pension underpayments to women whose National Insurance (NI) records are incorrect. In 2022, the DWP became aware of a number of State Pension cases where it appeared that historic periods of Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) were missing, leading to inaccurate State Pension payments. So far, around £104 million in arrears have been paid out, with an average payment of £8,377. Retirement expert Helen Morrissey is urging older people to complete the online form or contact the Pension Service if they think they have been affected after new research from the DWP shows the main reasons why those who have received a letter from HMRC asking them to check their State Pension as it could be wrong - have failed to do so. HMRC has sent out more than 370,000 letters - mostly to women - urging them to check their State Pension payments as they may be lower than they are entitled to. However, the DWP research indicates that the majority of people contacted by letter did not go on to apply for HRP. Barriers included: Not understanding the letter Thinking the communication was a scam Reliance on digital methods to put in a claim HRP was a scheme designed to help protect parents' and carers' entitlement to the State Pension and was replaced by NI credits from April 6, 2010. HMRC is using NI records to identify as many people as possible who might have been entitled to HRP between 1978 and 2010 and have no HRP on their NI record. After May 2000, it became mandatory to include a NI number on claims so people claiming after this point will not have been affected. How to use the online HRP tool You may still be able to apply for HRP, for full tax years (6 April to 5 April) between 1978 and 2010, if any of the following were true: you were claiming Child Benefit for a child under 16 you were caring for a child with your partner who claimed Child Benefit instead of you you were getting Income Support because you were caring for someone who was sick or disabled you were caring for a sick or disabled person who was claiming certain benefits You can also apply if, for a full tax year between 2003 and 2010, you were either: a foster carer caring for a friend or family member's child ('kinship carer') in Scotland Who qualified automatically for HRP The guidance on explains that most people got HRP automatically if they were: getting Child Benefit in their name for a child under the age of 16 and they had given the Child Benefit Office their National Insurance number getting Income Support and they did not need to register for work because they were caring for someone who was sick or disabled If your partner claimed Child Benefit instead of you If you reached State Pension age before April 6, 2008, you cannot transfer HRP. However, you may be able to transfer HRP from a partner you lived with if they claimed Child Benefit while you both cared for a child under 16 and they do not need the HRP. They can transfer the HRP to you for any 'qualifying years' they have on their National Insurance record between April 1978 and April 2010. This will be converted into National Insurance credits. Married women or widows You cannot get HRP for any complete tax year if you were a married woman or a widow and: you had chosen to pay reduced rate Class 1 National Insurance contributions as an employee (commonly known as the small stamp) you had chosen not to pay Class 2 National Insurance contributions when self-employed If you were caring for a sick or disabled person You can only claim HRP for the years you spent caring for someone with a long-term illness or disability between April 6, 1978 and April 5, 2002. You must have spent at least 35 hours a week caring for them and they must have been getting one of the following benefits: Attendance Allowance Disability Living Allowance at the middle or highest rate for personal care Constant Attendance Allowance The benefit must have been paid for 48 weeks of each tax year on or after April 6, 1988 or every week of each tax year before April 6, 1988. You can still apply if you are over State Pension age. You will not usually be paid any increase in State Pension that may have been due for previous years. If you were getting Carer's Allowance You do not need to apply for HRP if you were getting Carer's Allowance. You'll automatically get National Insurance credits and would not usually have needed HRP. If you were a foster carer or caring for a friend or family member's child You have to apply for HRP if, for a full tax year between 2003 and 2010, you were either: a foster carer caring for a friend or family member's child ('kinship carer') in Scotland All of the following must also be true: you were not getting Child Benefit you were not in paid work you did not earn enough in a tax year for it to count towards the State Pension If you reached State Pension age on or after 6 April 2010 Any HRP you had for full tax years before April 6, 2010 was automatically converted into National Insurance credits, if you needed them, up to a maximum of 22 qualifying years. A full overview of HRP can be found on here.
