MartinLuther

Not saying that at all.

I suspect you missed this bit "bearing in mind that you have BOTH reached the age to be eligible for a pension".

Also you may want to check this http://www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/...calculator.asp as you might not be eligible as early as you think.

PS: And another thing to watch out for (although this may not apply to you). If the wife reaches 60 and she has no NI contributions (or not enough) then she doesn't get any pension until she is 65 or the husband is 65. I know this because this happened to my mum.

MartinLuther

It makes you wonder how they ended up with a bunch of amateurs on such an important court

ray2gill

Hi Pollyana,

It isn't a case of if you are single or married it is the class of stamp you paid. Women previously had the option to pay a minimal stamp which did not entitle them to a pension in their own right but through their husbands contributions.

If you paid the full stamp then you are entitled to a pension in your own right regardless of marital status.

ray2gill

I can't recall the makeup of the original panel but I know two were from countries where they do not have any social support system therefore did not understand the mechanics and the third judge was of the view that it was discrimination and that pensions should be uprated in line other British citizens receiving unfrozen pensions in cuntries like the USA.

ray2gill

No I am definitely eligable to receive my full pension + SERPS at 60 in November 2010 although 4 month late. It goes on a sliding scale back to 65, so I guess I am one of the lucky ones.

Here's hoping there will be substantial pension increases between now and then.

BristolUK

Sure...I just felt is was quite a big positive though.

lesleys

Just one thing to add.

If you defer claiming your pension when you reach pension age you can get an increased pension when you do take it (or a lump sum and the basic pension). The thing is though, that as you haven't claimed it you get the increases accrued during your deferment time rather than having the value frozen.

ozzieeagle

Ahhh thanks missed the first reply somehow...... Probably in my hurry to get out of the door for night shift.... Off tonight hence I took my time ... Many thanks.

I'm about to check the rest of the replies before I ask my next question

ozzieeagle

Ok read the thread properly now... hopefully.

Next question is, why would one claim the UK pension and the Aussie one ? Doesnt the Australian pension reduce by the amount that the UK one pays ? thus negating the whole point of applying for the UK pension ?

EvannTel

Depends.
To get the full Aus pension you can earn up to a certain amount. Remember also Aus pension isnt taxed, UK will be.
Also before you get an Aus government pension you MUST claim the UK one so they can deduct that (if enough to deduct).

ozzieeagle

Thanks for the explanation, I've been here so long that I'm thinking more from an Aussie perspective than a UK one. The fact that I can claim something from the UK in reality is a bit of a bonus.

I've got just over 10 years left before I get there, bit strange that feeling. Feels like only recently I was doing Knees up's on the Holmesdale Terrace.

Hmmm maybe it's time to buy a red soft top sports car LOL

MartinLuther

Not sure of all the following so peeps should check for themselves rather than shooting me.

If your income is really low then the UK pension would not affect the Aus pension. If you're at the boundary were extra income reduces your Aus pension then the Aus pension is reduced at 40c for every extra $ earned (so you're still quids in at the end of the day).

Another couple of things associated with this. Get yourself zero tax rated for the UK pension. This is one area where tax paid to the UK government can be used to offset Aus tax (i.e. you can get taxed twice). The UK pension payment is considered to be 8% tax free by the Aus government (this is something to do with non-deducted contributions).

Reasonable

It can be much more than 8% depending on your contribution record!