Checking SERPS

malc_b

Hi,

I have a state pension with a serps element, that is to say back in 2014(?) they work out what I would get under the old scheme and under the new scheme (the full new pension) and found I'd get more under the old scheme.  I've just become a pensioner and get a little bit more that the new full state pension.  How do I check their sums are correct?  There is lots of advice on checking your NI record for errors for state pension entitlement but how do you do that for the serps replacement element (whatever that is called)?

Thanks

 

xylophone

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/611591/your-state-pension-statement-explained-dwp042.pdf


Your "starting amount" was calculated as at 6/4/16 (inception of NSP) as the higher of


Old Rules

NIYQ/30  (max) x Full Basic SP + (Additional State Pension -   any applicable "Contracted Out Deduction" ).


New Rules


(NIQY/35 (max) x Full NSP) - any applicable Contracted Out Pension Equivalent.

At 6/4/16, full basic was £119.30 and full NSP £155.65.

You say that you have just become eligible for SP and are receiving in excess of current full NSP.

This indicates that your SA was in excess of full NSP at its inception.

Since inception, the part of your SA that was equivalent to full NSP has increased under the "triple (double) lock" and the excess over full NSP (your "protected payment") by CPI.

With regard to your additional state pension, it is just possible that you may have had some Graduated Pension - you likely also had some State Earnings Related Pension/State Second Pension, depending on earnings/contracted in/out status.

With regard to checking ASP calculation, not easy for the layman......

https://techzone.abrdn.com/public/pensions/Tech-guide-old-state-pension

You could make a formal request for the  calculations used in your case from HMRC.

malc_b

Yes it does look complicated.  It doesn't help that I don't know where or when the extra accrued so I guess the first step is to see HMRC calcs.  Do you know of a link to make this request?  Or which HMRC department I'd need?  There seems to be a lot options on https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact and I'm not sure which to pick.

xylophone

The trouble is that the query falls between two stools - DWP and HMRC.

https://community.hmrc.gov.uk/customerforums/pt/9d58d658-beba-ed11-9ac4-00155d975688

When the New State Pension was introduced there were changes made and as part of those changes are there is no longer a blanket approach to the number of year and the amount of state pension paid.

HMRC cannot advise on your state pension entitlement you will have to contact the Department for Works and Pensions (DWP).  The amount of state pension you receive is calculated using the information held on your National Insurance Contributions record.



You'll need to address your query to one or other of 

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact/national-insurance-enquiries-for-employees-and-individuals


https://www.gov.uk/contact-pension-service

As you are in receipt of your SP, you could request the full calculation from DWP?