To find out how much you might receive when you reach State Pension age, check your State Pension forecast. It also shows your National Insurance record.
The full rate of new State Pension is £221. 20 a week. Your amount could be different depending on:
Planning for retirement is crucial, and understanding how much state pension you and your partner will receive is an important part of that process. This guide provides an overview of the UK state pension for married couples, including the full rate, eligibility requirements, and how to maximize your potential benefits.
Full Rate of the UK State Pension for Married Couples
The full rate for the New State Pension for the 2024/25 tax year is £221.20 (up from £203.85 in 2023/24 – an increase of 8.5%). If you and your partner have built up the full 35 qualifying years, you’ll get double this amount as a married couple. This comes to £442.40 between you.
Eligibility Requirements for the UK State Pension
To be eligible for the full new state pension, you and your partner must have reached state pension age and have at least 35 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions each. Qualifying years can be made up of contributions from employment, self-employment, or through National Insurance credits.
Important Note: If you were contracted out of the Additional State Pension before April 2016, you may need more than 35 qualifying years to get the full rate.
Maximizing Your UK State Pension Benefits
There are several ways to maximize your UK state pension benefits as a married couple:
- Check your National Insurance record: Ensure that you and your partner have accurate National Insurance records. You can do this online through the government website.
- Fill any gaps in your National Insurance record: If you have any gaps in your National Insurance record, you may be able to fill them by making voluntary contributions.
- Defer claiming your state pension: If you can afford to, consider deferring claiming your state pension. This will increase the amount you receive each week.
- Claim Pension Credit: If you are on a low income, you may be eligible for Pension Credit. This will top up your weekly income to a guaranteed minimum amount.
Additional Considerations for Married Couples
- State Pension forecast: You can get a personalized state pension forecast online to estimate how much state pension you and your partner are likely to receive.
- Inheriting state pension: If one partner dies, the surviving partner may be able to inherit some of their state pension.
- Divorce or civil partnership dissolution: If you divorce or dissolve your civil partnership, your state pension may be affected.
Understanding the UK state pension for married couples is essential for planning your retirement. By following the tips above, you can maximize your potential benefits and ensure a comfortable retirement for you and your partner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I check my National Insurance record?
You can check your National Insurance record online through the government website.
2. How do I fill gaps in my National Insurance record?
You can fill gaps in your National Insurance record by making voluntary contributions.
3. How do I defer claiming my state pension?
You can defer claiming your state pension by contacting the Department for Work and Pensions.
4. How do I claim Pension Credit?
You can claim Pension Credit online or by phone.
5. How do I get a state pension forecast?
You can get a state pension forecast online through the government website.
6. How do I inherit state pension?
If your partner dies, you may be able to inherit some of their state pension. You will need to contact the Department for Work and Pensions to claim this.
7. How will my state pension be affected if I divorce or dissolve my civil partnership?
If you divorce or dissolve your civil partnership, your state pension may be affected. The courts can make a “pension sharing order” which means that your state pension will be divided between you and your former partner.
Additional Resources
- The new State Pension: What you’ll get: https://www.gov.uk/new-state-pension/what-youll-get
- Your New State Pension explained: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/your-new-state-pension-explained/your-state-pension-explained
- Check your State Pension: https://www.gov.uk/check-state-pension
- Voluntary National Insurance contributions: https://www.gov.uk/voluntary-national-insurance-contributions
- Pension Credit: https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit
If your National Insurance record started after April 2016
To receive the full rate of the new State Pension, if your National Insurance record began after April 2016, you will need to fulfill 35 qualifying years.
If you’re getting less than £2220 a week
To increase your State Pension, you might need to have more National Insurance qualifying years.