Claiming state pension

You should receive a claim form when you are four months away from reaching State Pension age. If the claim form has not been sent to you yet and you are three months away from State Pension age already, you will need to get in touch with the nearest Pension Service office immediately.

The Pension Service will require a proof of your identity when you make a claim. You will usually be asked questions about your background, and you will need to have official documents at hand to verify the information you provide.

Pension Office Contacts
http://www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/contact_us/contact_us_homepage.asp

How Much Will I Get?

This is only a general guide to show you how much you may be entitled to receive. The actual amount given is based on individual circumstances and may vary accordingly.

Basic Weekly State Pension

Additional State Pension

Since April 6, 2002, SERPS was updated from the original scheme that only covered employees of companies according to National Insurance contribution records. The State Second Pension, as it is now called, gives an increase to additional State Pension for low to moderate income earners. The new scheme also benefits people with disability or long-term illness, as well as workers from certain industries.

Graduated Retirement Benefit

For people that have pain graduated National Insurance contributions between April 1961 and April 1975, graduated retirement benefits will be given. Men are granted £9.21 for every £7.50 paid, while women receive the same benefit for every £9 paid.

Extra benefits for dependents

There are also extra benefits received for dependents:

Dependent children

Currently you may receive an additional:
• £9.65 for the oldest child who qualifies for Child Benefit.
• £11.35 for each additional child who qualifies.

Dependent adults

You may receive up to an additional £43.40 for your spouse or any adult you are responsible for.