Whether you are just starting your career in your 20s or nearing retirement in your 50s, it’s never too early or late to think about your pension. Earlier this year, it was revealed that one in seven people retiring this year will be relying solely on State Pension to fund their retirement – but is it enough?
The maximum state pension currently stands at £110.15 per week, meaning that the majority of retirees are going to face a significant change in lifestyle at the end of their working life. Basic state pension is not means tested, instead it is based on the number of years you have been contributing National Insurance for and how much you’ve paid.
However, it is possible to increase the amount you receive each week by making top-up contributions. Working out how much you are entitled to is incredibly complex but fortunately you don’t need to do it yourself – Money Vista’s state pension forecast will do it for you.
Qualifying
There is a common assumption that every single person is entitled to state pension but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In order to receive a pension, you need to have built up enough qualifying years.
It depends on your age; both women and men currently require 30 years if they’re retiring between 2010 and 2016 but if you’re not to hit the retirement until after that, you’ll need 35 years in the bank.
If you haven’t collected enough qualifying years for full state pension, you will still receive a partial pension. If you’re not sure whether you qualify for state pension or how much you’ll be entitled to receive, it’s worth requesting a pension forecast.
Claiming
You will be able to claim basic state pension when you hit the Government’s official retirement age but you can delay it if you’d prefer. The current retirement age for women is 60 and 65 for men but it is gradually being raised, meaning that by 2020 it will be 66 for both genders.
You will likely receive a claim form from the Pension Service a few months before you are due to retire but if you don’t hear anything, you can always give them a call on 0800 731 7898. Once you have submitted your claim your pension will be paid directly in your bank.
Working out exactly how much money you will receive each week is incredibly complex but it’s currently £110.15 per week for full basic state pension. However, if you’re over the age of 80, you’ll get an extra 25p per week and couples will receive a minimum of £176.15.
Terry says
Good article. It really makes a strong case for relying on outside sources of income to get you through you “golden years.”
A big complaint that I have with my state penision (in the US) is that it is not tied to inflation. Hence, as time passes on and inflation takes its toll, the value of one’s monthly payments continually drop.
With rental houses, at least I know that their value will likely keep pace with inflation, and provide a regular monthly income.
Jane Savers @ Solving The Money Puzzle says
Here in Canada I can count on between 8K to 11K each year when I retire. Plus free health care and subsidized drug costs. The government pensions will make up a little more than half of my yearly income.
Of course I could always reduce my living costs if I moved to a little beach house in Guatemala.