Millions more offered free pension statement
A free government service to help millions of people better understand their State Pension is being expanded.
A free government service to help millions of people better understand their State Pension is being expanded from today (7 February 2015).
Anyone over the age of 55 is now able to request a personalised State Pension statement, giving them an estimate of what they are likely to receive based on their current National Insurance (NI) record. Until this week the scheme was only open to people over the age of 60.
This further roll out of the service – which has already issued more than 76,000 statements since its launch in September last year – comes ahead of ground-breaking new pension freedoms which come into effect from April.
Extending the service will equip people with vital information as they consider their options under the new rules.
Minister for Pensions Steve Webb said:
I’ve always been clear that people should be given the freedom to make their own financial decisions – but it’s crucial everyone has all the information to help them to make the right choices.
We are making sure people have the resources and support they need ahead of the new freedoms in April, so they can take the time to plan how to best use their pension saving for a secure retirement.
Now we have expanded the statement service, there is no reason why anyone who wants to exercise their new pension freedoms on day one shouldn’t be able to. That said, there is nothing magical about 6 April, and many people will want to take their time, both to consider fully all the options and to see what new financial products come on the market during 2015.
A State Pension statement gives individuals an estimate of how much they may get under the new State Pension based on their current NI record. It also provides helpful information explaining how this position may change with further NI contributions or credits.
Before people take advantage of the new freedoms, they will also be encouraged to seek free and impartial guidance on their retirement choices from the new government service, Pension Wise. This will encourage users to obtain a pension statement, as well as providing other information through face-to-face sessions for those who want them.
More information
The state pension statement service has been extended to include people aged 55 and over. Statements give individuals an estimate of how much they may get under the new State Pension based on their current National Insurance record.
About 5.5 million people are now able to request a pension statement under the new rules.
The statement offers an estimated amount, not a guaranteed amount, as it is based on an individual’s current NI record and doesn’t take into account future NI contribution years they may build.
People under the age of 55 can still get a statement that gives an estimate of their State Pension based on the rules of the existing scheme. Their statement explains that, in most cases, the estimate will be the least amount of State Pension that they may get when they reach State Pension age.
We will gradually extend the State Pension statement service until everybody of working age will be able to request one.
The new State Pension comes into effect in April 2016.
How to get a State Pension statement
You can get a State Pension statement online.
Newcastle Pension Centre (Futures Group)
Telephone: 0345 300 0168
Textphone: 0845 300 0169
Outside the UK: +44 191 218 3600
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm (except public holidays)
Write to us or apply by post
Apply for a State Pension statement using form BR19, fill it in, print it and post it to the address below.
The Pension Service 9
Mail Handling Site A
Wolverhampton
WV98 1LU
United Kingdom
Pension Wise is a free government service offering guidance to people over 55 about how they can make the most of the new pension freedoms.
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