Deferring state pension

PaulCooper

Hi Everyone
I realise this subject has been discussed previously, but things do tend to change so I'd appreciate the answers as they are currently
Will I have to apply for the state pension when I become eligible, or is it automatically paid?
On the basis I think I want to defer payment of the state pension, what percentage increase is added to the base amount p.a.?
assuming the payment is being deferred, can the payment be taken at any time or do you have to wait a full 12 months?
If it can be taken at any time, is the increase that is applied pro rata to the length of time deferred? i.e. if it is deferred 6 months, is half the annual increase applied?
Thanks in advance for replies
Paul Cooper

JGB1955

You have to claim your pension.  It's not paid automatically.

Current information is at Delay (defer) your State Pension - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

luvchocolate

All the information you need is on the Gov.uk..as above 

PaulCooper

Great thanks
Paul

tacpot12

Your State Pension will increase every week you defer, as long as you defer for at least 9 weeks.

SomeMadeUpName

tacpot12 said:

Your State Pension will increase every week you defer, as long as you defer for at least 9 weeks.

That's interesting. I'd thought it was 1% for every 9 weeks, ie I'd thought 9 weeks or 18 weeks or 27 weeks etc was a sensible deferment, but not say 16weeks.  But what your saying is that 9 weeks gets you 1%, then every week after that gets you circa 0.11% (that being aprox 1/9), is that correct?

Dazed_and_C0nfused

The example on gov.uk does indicate it is weekly after the first 9 weeks of deferment.

https://www.gov.uk/deferring-state-pension/what-you-get

Bubble02

I am nearly 73 yrs old & have deferred my state pension & plan to take it when I'm 75, I hope!

A number of times I have asked the DHSS the projected amountI that will receive when I'm 75. This has fluctuated wildly from year to year. Is there anyone outside the DHSS who can work out what my pension might be, or is there a way I can even do this myself, or will that be too complicated?

There have a been a number of instances recently when the DHSS has paid pensioners the incorrect amount.

Dazed_and_C0nfused

Was your State Pension age pre 6 April 2016?  If so will you opting for the lump sum or increased weekly amount?

Do you have the amount you were due when you reached your State Pension age?

xylophone

Was your State Pension age pre 6 April 2016? 

The OP says

I am nearly 73 yrs old 

Therefore d.o.b. sometime in 1949.

If female, SPA was 2009 and if male, 2014

Therefore deferment was under the old rules.

https://www.litrg.org.uk/tax-guides/pensioners/what-state-pension-deferral

woolly_wombat

Bubble02 said:

There have a been a number of instances recently when the DHSS has paid pensioners the incorrect amount.

Yes, that happened to my other half. His deferred State Pension had been underpaid for a couple of years so check carefully! It took numerous phone calls and a threat to make a formal complaint to secure recalculation and back payment. Contacting our MP would have been the logical next step.

Those who reached State Pension age prior to 6 April 2016 are entitled to claim an additional 10.4% for each complete year of deferral.

Alternatively, you can opt for a one-off taxable lump sum.

For more details, see the government’s guide ‘Deferring your State Pension if you reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016’: 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/deferring-your-state-pension
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