Reader Question: What will happen to my state pension and benefits if I remarry?

Reader Question:

I am divorced, 72 and receive a state pension in my own right, as I worked, plus Disability Living Allowance (DLA). If I marry again to an 80 year old pensioner, who is also divorced, will we get our pensions put together? If so what would we get please?

My response:

In theory your state pension entitlements are separate and should remain so if you marry. The slight complication arises for divorced women who claim on their ex-husband's National Insurance record. To quote the official rules:

If you remarry or form a new civil partnership before you reach State Pension age, you lose this right.

Given that you are marrying after your respective state pension ages would suggest that your future wife's pension should be unaffected (assuming that she is even claiming on her ex-husband's NI record).

Full information can be found in the official guide to the state pension.

As for your DLA I contacted the Attendance Allowance Unit or Disability Living Allowance Unit on your behalf. I provided them with the information which you gave me and they provided the following response:

'Thank you for your e-mail. Disability Living Allowance is not a means tested benefit so marriage will not affect the Disability Living Allowance. I hope this helps, but please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need any further help or information'.

But what I would suggest is that you contact them on the number below and put the question to them directly with your full set of circumstances.

Phone: 0845 7 12 34 56 – read about call charges

Textphone: 0845 7 22 44 33 (for hearing or speech difficulties)

Lines are open between 7.30am and 6.30pm Monday to Friday.

Also, don’t forget you can use the government’s official Benefits Adviser online tool which can tell you which benefits you are entitled to now and those which you may be entitled to when your circumstances change.

I hope that helps

Best Wishes

Damien

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