In contrast to a workplace or private pension, the State Pension is a regular pension benefit provided by the government to individuals who have contributed enough to National Insurance during their working lives. There are differences between being over the State Pension age and the UK retirement age.
If you’re married and eligible for the UK State Pension, you might be curious about the combined amount that you and your partner can get. We’ve included all the information you need to know about this subject here, including the amount of the State Pension that UK couples will receive in the 2023–2024 tax year.
Navigating the complexities of the UK State Pension can be challenging, especially for married women. This guide aims to clarify the current situation and answer your questions about the basic State Pension for married women.
Understanding the State Pension for Married Women
The State Pension in the UK has undergone significant changes in recent years, particularly for women. This guide will address the current rules and how they impact married women.
State Pension Age:
- The State Pension age for most women is currently 66, gradually increasing to 67 between 2026 and 2028.
- Use the State Pension age calculator on GOV.UK to determine your specific State Pension age: https://www.gov.uk/state-pension-age
Full State Pension Amount:
- The full basic State Pension in the 2024/25 tax year is £221.20 per week, equating to an annual income of £11,502.40.
- This amount may be lower depending on your individual National Insurance contributions and when you reached State Pension age.
Qualifying for the Full State Pension:
- Under the current system, you need at least 35 years of National Insurance contributions to qualify for the full basic State Pension.
- If you reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016, you only needed 30 years of contributions.
National Insurance Record:
- Check your National Insurance record at GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/check-national-insurance-record
- If you have gaps in your record, you may be able to fill them with voluntary contributions to increase your State Pension entitlement.
State Pension Forecast:
- A State Pension forecast can tell you how much State Pension you could get, when you can get it, and how to increase it.
- Get your State Pension forecast online at GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/check-state-pension
- Alternatively, fill in the BR19 application form and send it by post.
Married Women’s State Pension:
- Under the old State Pension system, married women could receive a pension based on their partner’s contributions if they didn’t have enough contributions themselves.
- This could amount to up to 60% of their partner’s basic State Pension.
- Check if your partner’s contributions are relevant to you using the tool at GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/check-state-pension-age
Additional Considerations:
- You may be entitled to a higher State Pension if you have built up Additional State Pension or delayed taking your State Pension.
- If you’re a married or divorced woman born before 1953, your past State Pension payments might have been incorrect. Check if the State Pension correction exercise applies to you.
Resources:
- MoneyHelper: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/pensions-and-retirement/state-pension
- GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/state-pension
- USDAW: https://www.usdaw.org.uk/Help-Advice/Pensions/Retired-Members/Older-married-women
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much is the basic State Pension for a married woman who has never worked?
A: If you are married and have never worked, you may still be entitled to a State Pension based on your husband’s National Insurance contributions. However, this will likely be a lower amount than the full basic State Pension.
Q: Can I get a State Pension if I have gaps in my National Insurance record?
A: Yes, you may be able to fill in gaps in your National Insurance record with voluntary contributions. This will increase your State Pension entitlement.
Q: How can I find out how much State Pension I am likely to get?
A: You can get a State Pension forecast online at GOV.UK or by filling in the BR19 application form. The forecast will tell you how much State Pension you could get, when you can get it, and how to increase it.
Q: What if I am a married woman born before 1953?
A: If you are a married woman born before 1953, your past State Pension payments might have been incorrect. Check if the State Pension correction exercise applies to you.
Q: Where can I find more information about the State Pension?
A: You can find more information about the State Pension on the MoneyHelper website, the GOV.UK website, and the USDAW website.
How Much Is the State Pension For Married Couples?
This is a general summary to help you understand how much State Pension you are eligible for, which can often be complicated (your State Pension forecast).
If you’ve nearly reached State Pension age, the best way to work out how much you’re entitled to – whether single or part of a couple – is by getting a State Pension forecast.
Who Is Eligible For the New State Pension?
You can claim the New State Pension if you’re:
- A man born on or after 6th April 1951
- A woman born on or after 6th April 1953
When you reach State Pension age, that’s the earliest you can start receiving this New State Pension.
In order to qualify for the New Full State Pension, you must have worked 35 qualifying years. Instead, you will receive a portion of the New State Pension if you have between 10 and 35 qualifying years (these years do not need to be consecutive).
If you met at least one of the following requirements, your year qualifies:
- You were working and paid NI contributions
- You were getting National Insurance credits; you might have been a caregiver, parent, or unemployed person.
- You were paying voluntary NI contributions
If you have made contributions at the widow’s or married women’s reduced rate, you may also be eligible.