Reader's Question:
When the new flat rate state pension regime comes in, what will happen to people who have stayed at home, and never worked? Housewives for instance who would have claimed on their husband's contributions, does this mean that the husband will be means tested?
My response:
At the moment a housewife who does not qualify for a full Basic State Pension (BSP) in their own right, on reaching state pension age, may be able to claim a higher amount based on their husband's National Insurance contributions.
Which means a woman may be able to get a BSP of up to 60% of their husband's. Therefore if he receives the full BSP, this equates to £61.29 a week.
However, under the new flat-rate state pension proposal a woman won't be able to claim a state pension based on their husband's National Insurance record. Instead they will have to qualify for a state pension in their own right, but the good news is that the number of years required to qualify for a state pension will be to reduced 7 years. In addition, you won't have to actually work for 7 years as stay at home mum's will receive some credit for those years spent caring for their children.
I hope that helps
Best Wishes
Damo
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