We tackle the pensions questions members are asking, that seldom get answered
You might have a good instinct about what questions pension members tend to ask, or you might actually have members come and ask you. Or maybe you get reports from your admin team.
But when most people have a question, they start with Google. Millions of them ask pension questions.
So we’ve analysed Google search data to reveal those questions – particularly the ones that are asked a lot, and the ones that aren’t getting many answers. And we’ve suggested short, helpful answers that get to the point and link out to up-to-date figures.
Feel free to steal any or all of them for your own website.
How much pension will I get?
Your pension income can usually come from 3 kinds of pension:
- State Pension – a regular payment from the government
- Workplace pensions – pensions from employers you have worked for
- Private pensions – a pension you arranged yourself
You might start getting these different pensions at different times. And you might have options about how to take them.
What is the State Pension?
The State Pension is a regular payment from the government when you reach State Pension age. You do not start getting it automatically – you have to claim it.
To qualify, you need at least 10 years of National Insurance contributions or credits.
How much is the State Pension?
The amount of State Pension you get depends on how many years you’ve paid National Insurance. You need at least 10 years to qualify, and 35 years for the full amount. It also depends on things like whether you’re married.
Check how much State Pension you could get
When will I get my State Pension?
Your State Pension age depends on your birth date. The age is gradually rising and is set to increase further.
What is Pension Credit?
Pension Credit helps pensioners on a low income. It has two parts:
- Guarantee Credit, which tops up your weekly income
- Savings Credit, which provides extra money if you have saved for retirement and reached State Pension age before April 2016
Pension Credit can also help you get other benefits like Housing Benefit, Council Tax reduction, and a free TV licence if you’re over 75.
How much is Pension Credit a week?
The amount of Pension Credit you get depends on your circumstances. This includes whether you’re single or in a couple, and if you have disabilities or caring responsibilities.
Check the latest Pension Credit rates
Do pensioners pay Council Tax?
Yes pensioners do pay Council Tax, but you might pay less if any of these apply:
- you live alone
- you get Pension Credit
- you have a low income
- you are disabled
Apply for a Council Tax Reduction
How can I avoid paying tax on my pension?
You will only pay tax if your total income each year is more than your Personal Allowance. So if you can spread your income out over more years, you might pay less tax – but you’ll also reduce your yearly income.
You can also usually take some of your private or workplace pension as tax-free cash.
What happens to my pension when I die?
For a private pension or one from your employer, the money that’s left usually goes to your family or someone you choose. Some pensions will pay an income to a spouse or partner.
For the State Pension, this stops when you die. But your partner might be able to get some of your State Pension.
More about pensions when you die
