Old Age Pension

[chrissa1]

I reach the ripe old age of 60 tomorrow. I've just checked the .gov web site and it says that I can't claim until 6th May 2011 when I will be 60 years, 6 months and 24 days old. Why?...

[McMouse]

Because they changed the rules a while back.

[micmak]

Because the government put retirement age to 65 for both men and women. Women who reach 60 after April of this year 2010 have been stepped up until it covers every one. My wife is in the same boat. She was 60 in September but doesn't get her pension until March next year.

[craft1948]

It's one of the few things I was born at the right time for........

[chrissa1]

Cor,what a swiz!! I thought all sorts of things were going to be coming my way tomorrow and now I've got to wait.
Thanks guys.

[jamesnan]

You should still collect your bus pass though - comes in very handy!

[droopdrawers]

You should be notified about 3 months before you start to collect your pension. There will be forms to fill in with details of where you want it paid into etc.

DD who has been collecting mine a few years now lol.

[Buenchico]

Jamesnan's post is, regrettably, incorrect. The entitlement to a bus pass, giving free off-peak travel throughout England, is linked to the state pension age for women. I'm 57 (and a fella') and I won't become eligible for free bus travel until a few days after my 63rd birthday (when a woman born on the same date as me becomes eligible for her state pension).

Entitlement to other age-related benefits (such as Pension Credits) is also gradually rising towards a common age of 65. However many economists expect that the state pension age for both men and women, will then continue to rise to somewhere between 66 and 68. (In Italy it's already 69 and expected to rise).

Chris

[welshlibranr]

I'll be the big 60 on the 20th October, and will get my pension in May 2011 too!....if they don't change it again in the meantime!.....my first forecast was March 2011!...I'll wait and see!................