how state pension is calculated

[kloofnek]

I am Spanish and live in the UK,I am entitled to some Spanish State Pension as well as in the UK.

Can I claim completely separately ,the two pensions.

Has anyone had the same situation and can advise me in plain English instead of legal jargon.

Thanx

[dzug]

If you live in the UK and have paid sufficient National Insurance you can claim a state pension when you reach retirement age.

You can also claim your Spanish pension, completely separately, according to Spanish rules.

However it may be possible, and possibly advantageous to combine the two. When you come to claim you will be asked questions that allow this to be considered, and implemented if appropriate.

There's some (rather general) information here: http://www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/ipc/faqs.a sp#five

[kloofnek]

If I claim mySpanish pension independently,would it affect my UK pension which will not be the full State pension as have not worked as many years here I do have a works pension as well here in the UK
Do not want to combine the two.

Thanks

[dzug]

If I've understood the link I've provided correctly, then you apply separately.

However the British/Spanish authorities then exchange information to see how they are going to share out the costs. If it's to your advantage the pensions are combined, if it's not then they are kept separate.

[kloofnek]

Thank You.