Reader’s Question: Can I claim my wife’s state pension?

1 min read Published: 06 Jun 2011

Reader's Question:

I started claiming my state pension from 15/01/2011. My wife was born on 29/11/1950 and cannot claim her state pension until 4/07/2011. Can I claim for her pension from 15/01/2011 until 4/07/2011 as a married man?

My answer:

The short answer is 'no you can't'.

What you may be getting confused with is that if you are not entitled to a full basic Basic State Pension, you may be able to increase it based on your wife's National Insurance record. However this can only be done if:

  • you are not already entitled to a full basic State Pension
  • your wife was born on or after 6 April 1950
  • your wife qualifies for some Basic State Pension
  • you have both reached State Pension age (which your wife hasn't)

I hope that answers your question

Best wishes

Damien

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