State pension confusion as new system arrives

New research from Which? reveals that many of those approaching retirement are still in the dark about aspects of the new state pension.

From next Wednesday, a new state pension system will take effect. The new system aims to simplify how much people will receive and when they are eligible to claim the state pension.

The good news is two thirds (68%) of those approaching the state pension age (50 – 64 year olds) were aware that changes are coming in, and this rises to 80% of those aged between 60 and 64. However, our research has found there is still confusion about how the new system impacts consumers:

  • Only one in five (21%) knew that the state pension age will be 65 for both men and women in November 2018.
  • Only one in five (20%) knew that the new rules do not affect those that have reached state pension age before April 2016.
  • More than half (55%) didn’t know if those who have reached retirement age can top up their state pension or not.
  • 44% of people admit they don’t know what the full rate of the new state pension will be from 6th April.   
  • Only 18% of people we asked knew if they had ever been contracted out of the state pension. Being contracted out for even a short period of time could leave people with a much smaller pension than they were expecting.

The state pension system is still complicated and two thirds (64%) of those approaching retirement said they would be interested in an online pension forecast that shows how much state pension they are entitled to. The Department for Work and Pensions has developed an online forecast, which is still being refined.

The Which? state pension guide explains the differences between the current and new systems, provides analysis on how the changes will impact people currently receiving or soon to be receiving their state pension and includes a state pension age calculator.

Which? executive director Richard Lloyd, said:

“Next week sees major changes to the state pension, which forms a core part of many people’s retirement income. While it’s promising to see that awareness of the upcoming changes is high, we’re only half way there. More needs to be done to make sure that people understand what the changes are and what they mean for them.”

Pensions Minster Ros Altmann, said:

“It is vital that people check what their state pension is likely to be, especially when planning their future later life income. ‎The Government is introducing a new State Pension system which will be easier to understand and a new digital online individual state pension forecast will be available to make things much easier. This is in public testing now and in the meantime anyone over age 50 can get a written statement showing their estimated state pension. I’m delighted that Which? is highlighting the new system and the need for more people to find out how the new rules will affect them.”

Notes to Editors

 

  • Key findings: In February 2016 GMI, on behalf of Which?, interviewed 1,000 adults between the ages of 50 and 64 in an online survey about the upcoming changes to the state pensions system.

 

 

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