Claiming state pension, need proof of divorce?

westv

I don't understand either as the connection between spouses for the SP ended 8 years ago.

Sarahspangles

I think this is why they ask about divorce, although why they need to know the actual date, I'm not sure. I'm assuming that the option for the former spouse to claim doesn't 'expire'

From https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/blog/life-events/divorce-and-your-pension-what-you-need-to-know

I’m already receiving my state pension– can I increase this now I’m getting divorced?

If you reached your State Pension age before 6 April 2016 then you may be able to increase this up to £137.60 per week once you are divorced if: 

• your own basic State Pension is less than £137.60 a week; and 

• your former spouse or civil partner had enough National Insurance contributions.

eastcorkram

toomuchinfo said:

SouthCoastBoy said:

I'd be interested to know why they need to know the date of divorce? If you're married do you need to supply date of marriage?

Yes, they asked the date of marriage when I applied last year, it’s easy to remember it though even though we’ve been married 30 years.

I was divorced 35 years ago and wouldn’t have a clue of the date.

Turn 66 next year. Can I ask, what else you had to supply? Did you need to post in marriage, or birth certificates or anything? Or is it just a case of answering questions? 

xylophone

I was divorced 35 years ago and wouldn’t have a clue of the date.

An approximation would be acceptable evidently.......2024 - 35?

molerat

eastcorkram said:

toomuchinfo said:

SouthCoastBoy said:

I'd be interested to know why they need to know the date of divorce? If you're married do you need to supply date of marriage?

Yes, they asked the date of marriage when I applied last year, it’s easy to remember it though even though we’ve been married 30 years.

I was divorced 35 years ago and wouldn’t have a clue of the date.

Turn 66 next year. Can I ask, what else you had to supply? Did you need to post in marriage, or birth certificates or anything? Or is it just a case of answering questions? 

Just answer questions, no proofs / documents needed.

Paspatur

My brother did not know date of his divorce so I looked it up on Scotlands People
Told me the year and we invented a month
Could also have bought the certificate for £12
No idea what the England equivalent site is

LHW99

You could try a look on Family Search (needs a free log-in), or Find my Past

toomuchinfo

eastcorkram said:

toomuchinfo said:

SouthCoastBoy said:

I'd be interested to know why they need to know the date of divorce? If you're married do you need to supply date of marriage?

Yes, they asked the date of marriage when I applied last year, it’s easy to remember it though even though we’ve been married 30 years.

I was divorced 35 years ago and wouldn’t have a clue of the date.

Turn 66 next year. Can I ask, what else you had to supply? Did you need to post in marriage, or birth certificates or anything? Or is it just a case of answering questions? 

I applied online after they sent me the letter with a code. They ask if you ever worked abroad and the marriage questions and spouse details. I didn’t have to send any proof off and received the letter with payment dates and amounts in less than a week.

allthecats1

I am due to start receiving my state pension in March 2025. How far in advance do you receive a confirmation code? Also, I was divorced in the early 1990s, can't verify it with official paperwork as no longer have it, has anyone been able to just put the date (year) of divorce? If a copy decree absolute is required, I am worried because without knowing the court it looks like it's almost impossible to obtain one and this could be a barrier to receiving my state pension (which will be my only form of income). Any advice gratefully received!

molerat

I am due to start receiving my state pension in March 2025. How far in advance do you receive a confirmation code?

Around 4 months in advance.