Work and Pensions written question – answered at on 19 November 2003.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
(1) what assessment he has made of the effect on low income households of delaying commencement of paying state retirement pension until the beginning of the week following the birthday that brings entitlement to that pension;
(2) to commence entitlement to state pension from the actual date of the (a) 65th birthday for men and (b) 60th birthday, for women.
There are no plans to change the date from which entitlement to State Pension commences.
The rule that entitlement begins on the payday on or following the day on which a man reaches his 65th birthday, or a woman her 60th birthday, derives from the fact that State Pension is paid in advance. In practice any effect upon low income households is beneficial as the following chart shows. In the case of bereavement benefits, which are also paid in advance, there is no change upon reaching pension age, since the same payday is maintained.
Date | Payment in Advance | Payment in Arrears |
---|---|---|
Thursday 4 December 2003 | Man becomes 65 years/woman becomes 60 years. | |
Monday 8 December 2003 | Entitled to standard rate State Pension. Receives £77.45 full week's payment for the coming week | Would receive £44.28 (4/7ths of £77.45) for the period 4.12.03 to 7.12.03 |
Notes:
In respect of the period up to
final earnings, monthly or weekly in arrears, with holiday pay, week in hand etc. incapacity benefit/jobseeker's allowance—paid fortnightly in arrears income support—paid weekly or at another period, in arrears
Yes0 people think so
No0 people think not
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