Basic State Pension query

stagey_2

Hello - My basic state pension is just £38.68 for the usual reason of paying the reduced contribution and only 11 years of full. I have just realised (!) that since my husband reached state pension age 2 years ago and he has the full basic pension, that my basic pension can be increased to £64.40 (from April 2012) - so query

His pension has been deferred and he is taking it this year, but can he claim the additional pension for me to include the last 2 years? or is this lost. (I appreciate it won't be at £64.40 but whatever the amount was for the past couple of years)

I did telephone the pension help line and the chap was helpful to a point but I couldn't work out the answer when I asked the above question - just wondered whether anyone here can clarify for me. many thanks

molerat

http://www.ageuk.org.uk/Documents/EN-GB/Factsheets/FS19_State_Pension_fcs.pdf?dtrk=true gives a few tips, you may only be able claim back one year though. Maybe give AgeUK a ring, this is the sort of thing they do.

sleepless_saver

As far as I can see (but it looks complicated...) you can now claim your category B pension on the strength of your husband's contributions even if he has deferred. It looks like you should probably be treated as though you had deferred from when you became entitled, though I'm not sure what effect the fact that you are already getting some category A pension has.

You could give the Pensions Advisory Service a call 0845 601 2923 to see if they can give definitive advice.

stagey_2

thanks SS - yes I too read the ageuk link - and agree it does seem a bit complex! for the moment it seems I have to wait OH getting his (probably April) then I can get the additional bit as Cat B. As I am already claiming Cat A with my own pittance of married womens stamp - this seems to muddy waters a little. My plan at the moment, is to claim it in April but I am still working (tho' this could change with redundancies within the next few months) and then defer the lot for a year - because of the additional tax etc that I am paying via my salary I don't really want to be paying more tax.

stagey_2

oops! SS just read your link 'it looks complicated' - i tmost certainly does! hmm.