State Pension for Married Couples

Overview

The state pension is a weekly payment made by the government to eligible retirees who have paid sufficient National Insurance (NI) contributions during their working lives. This pension differs from both workplace and private pensions in that it is not funded by savings but rather directly from the government's revenue.

Eligibility

Individuals who have made sufficient qualifying NI contributions become eligible for the state pension upon reaching state pension age, which is currently set at 66 but will increase to 67 by 2028 and to 68 between 2044 and 2046.

Married Couple State Pension

While there is no specific "married couple state pension," the amount received by a couple will depend on their individual circumstances.

Calculating State Pension for Married Couples

The amount of state pension received depends on the following factors:

* Whether the recipient receives the "old" basic state pension or the "new" state pension (introduced in 2016)
* Their individual NI record
* For those claiming under the "old" basic state pension, the "married woman's rate" may apply

"Old" Basic State Pension

Under the "old" basic state pension, the full amount for the 2024-25 tax year is £169.50 per week or £8,814 per year. If both members of a married couple qualify for this, they would collectively receive £339 per week or £17,628 per year.

"New" State Pension

The full "new" state pension for the 2024-25 tax year is £221.20 per week, providing an annual income of £11,502. For a couple, this means a combined income of £442.40 per week or £23,005 per year.

Married Woman's Rate

Under the "old" basic state pension, women who have not made sufficient NI contributions to qualify for a full basic pension in their own right may be able to claim the "married woman's rate." This rate is up to 60% of their husband's basic state pension.

Checking State Pension Entitlement

Individuals can check their state pension age, access their state pension forecast, and review their NI record on the government website.

Care Home Fees

If one member of a couple moves into a care home, their state pension will not be affected if they pay for the fees themselves. However, if the local authority helps with the fees, some of the state pension may be used to contribute to the cost of care.

FAQs

* Can I claim state pension benefits using my spouse's NI record? (Only applicable to the "old" basic state pension)
* What happens to the state pension if my spouse dies?
* How can I find out how much state pension I'll be paid?
* I have gaps in my NI record – can I fill them?