SE76160 - Social Security benefits: retirement pension

Section 617 (1)(a) ICTA 1988

Retirement pension

Retirement pension is a contributory benefit based on the payment of National Insurance contributions.

The retirement pension is commonly called the National Insurance retirement pension, the State retirement pension or the Social Security retirement pension.

Retirement pension is taxable.

Who qualifies for a retirement pension?

An individual qualifies for a retirement pension if he or she reaches pensionable age and satisfies the contribution conditions. Pensionable age is 65 for men and 60 for women.

War widows ( SE76103) and industrial widows ( SE76200) over the age of sixty may be entitled to retirement pensions by virtue of their National Insurance contributions. Where this happens the retirement pension will be paid in addition to the war or industrial widow's pensions.