pension

[i9r5e4nje4]

we are two elderly people 71 and 80 and we share a house, we are male and female. will we have to have our pensions combined like married couples do? if so how much is that pension please

[sara3]

state pension, or pension credits?

are you a couple?

[boxtops]

I am sure someone will give you a full answer, but I wouldn't think so - if you are not married and you both have pensions in your own right?

[i9r5e4nje4]

we are not married and we are not a couple. I would like to know what is the state pension for a couple please

[sara3]

if you're not a couple, you can't claim as a couple.

[i9r5e4nje4]

thank you sara3.I have been told that we will be classed as a couple even though we are not married, so I just wanted to know how much is the pension for a couple.

[rowanwitch]

less than two singles... if you have separate rooms and do not live as a 'couple' you are still entitled to be treated as individuals for pension purposes Most local councils have benefits advisers who can go through the details with you and maybe help you access additional support especially if one of you performs care activities for the other

[Shazza36]

Retirement Pension is based on your national Insurance contributions so you have each earned a pension in your own right its irrelevant if you are a couple or not unless you want to claim a means tested benefit and then you may be assessed as a couple because you are maintaining a common household.

[237SJ]

Go onto the website www.direct.gov.uk and look up under pensions. Search for the area that concerns your sort of enquiry. There will probably be a phone number where you can speak to someone about your enquiry. When my dad died, my mother phoned them because we knew absolutely nothing about pensions and because they were used to dealing with people like us, they were very patient and helpful. Best to get the proper answers from those people who know what they are talking about and they will answer any other questions you may have as well