If you reach State Pension age before 6 April 2010
If you don’t qualify for the full basic State Pension, but have 25 per cent or more of the qualifying years, you’ll get a weekly basic State Pension between the minimum (£23.81 in 2009-2010) and the maximum (£95.25 in 2009-2010).
If you have fewer than 25 per cent of the qualifying years, you will not be entitled to any basic State Pension using your own National Insurance contribution record. However, you can get a ‘non-contributory’ or ‘Over 80 Pension’ if you’re aged 80 or more and meet the residency conditions. This is £57.05 a week for 2009-2010.
If you reach State Pension age on or after 6 April 2010
If you don’t qualify for the full basic State Pension, but have some qualifying years, you will get one thirtieth of the full amount for each qualifying year.
You can get more information from your local pension centre.
If you are or have been married or in a civil partnership
You may be entitled to some basic State Pension through the National Insurance record of either:
- your spouse or civil partner
- your former or late spouse or civil partner
Pension Credit
If you’re aged 60 or over and living in Great Britain, Pension Credit could top up your weekly income to a guaranteed minimum of:
- £130 if you’re single
- £198.45 if you’re a couple
From 2010, the age from which you can get Pension Credit will gradually increase.
