state pensions guidance

CHARLESWESTOVER_2

Someone has told me it is beneficial to claim yourself and your wifes state pension individualy instead of a combined pension . does anyone know if there are any advantages or disadvantages
My wife claims hers now she is 61 i will be claiming next year
thanks charles

EdInvestor

They are paid as two individual pensions - there is no such thing as a combined state pension.

mrbnewc1

Hi

It's worth bearing in mind that if your wife's basic State Pension is less than 60% of what your basic will be, she may be able to get a top up (known as a married woman's pension). To get this, you have to claim your pension - it is not paid if you defer.

When you claim next year (if you decide to), your wife will also need to make a new claim to get the increase. This won't affect your wife's own entitlement and payment will continue until the increase is applied (if she is eligible).

Also, if you don't receive the automatic invitation to claim (appoximately 4months prior to reaching pension age), get in touch with the Pension Service on 0845 60 60 265 and they'll send the relevant claim forms or you could always claim online at http://www.dwp.gov.uk/eservice/

Hope this is of use....and happy retirement (for next year!)

mrbnewc1