State Pension

[Princess Sue]

If my partner and I don't get married will we be better off as regards our old age pension - as we will still get 2 single pensions instead of one married couple's? Is there any other financil benefit in staying single? - Or is the advice to get married?

[Ethel]

If you have worked and are entitled to a full pension in your own right, it will not matter whether you are married or not.

If you need supplementary means tested benefits, you will be treated as a couple anyway - unless you lie and say you are his lodger (or vice versa).

[Princess Sue]

Thanks Ethel. Think we would be better off married as I am not entitled to his work pension - he is entitled to mine regardless of whether we are married or not (Law changed in April) but as he is in receipt of Local Gov. Pension now - he cannot leave it to me unless we marry.

[buildersmate]

Ethel is referring to the Basic State Pension, but your analysis of your own and your partner's pension (which is additional) is also valid.