How long to start receiving deferred state pension?

Be_Happy

Hi

Can anyone who has recently started drawing their deferred state retirement pension tell me how long the process takes from first contacting Pensions Service to receiving first payment. I assume there is some exchange of correspondence while calculations are made, you are told options and asked to make your choice, etc.

I've been deferring for 3 years and plan to start drawing the pension soon(higher pension, not lump sum choice). However I want to time it to start as soon as possible after 6 April as my small occupational pensions and savings interest this year are tax free.

millie

You will need to phone them up and tell them when you want it to start. My first payment is on 15th February after deferring for 3 years. I phoned them about 8 weeks ago and sorted the claim over the phone. The options for the payment of the 3 years deferred amount cannot be calculated until after the 1st pension payment has been made, as interest is added right up to that date, but I was told that I would be informed of the options within a week or so of the 1st payment.

Be_Happy

Thanks Millie

I hadn't realised that the choices are made after the basic pension payments start. This does make sense as regards calculating the interest payments/extra pension up to date.

Did it take 8 weeks from the time you first contacted them re taking your pension to the date due for your first payment, or was the February date selected by you?

PlutoinCapricorn

I believe that you can apply online: that usually speeds things up.

millie

That was the date I chose my birthday is the 12th so that was the 1st Monday after the 3 full deferred years. I think the message on the pension line was something along the lines that you only need to apply for your pension 2 months before you want it paid, apparently it used to be 3 months but the system has been improved.

Be_Happy

Just a quick update to this post, re the very good service I have had from the Pension Service.

In February I phoned to ask for pension to begin on 3rd May, payable weekly. 3 days later I received the written information on pension amount and confirmation of start date.

On Friday I got pension notice confirming start date of 3rd May, but weekly pension would be in bank early because of bank holiday, then on Saturday I received details of what increased pension or lump sum would be and a form to make choice. Everything went through smoothly with no problems.

Only 'fly in ointment' now will be dealing with Tax Office. At present I have 3 small pensions not totalling enough to pay tax. After a shaky start this was sorted out so that I get a different Tax Code for each pension (involving 2 different Tax Offices), with each code giving allowances equal to the individual pension meaning that I pay no tax. I expect absolute confusion when my new State Pension is taken into account and factored into this system. Luckily we have a Tax Enquiry Office in town so I'll call in this week. As it is I haven't received any Tax Code notices for this year yet.