How Much Is the Couples State Pension

How Much Is the Couples State Pension?

Many people wonder how much State Pension a couple will receive in retirement. While there is no special “couples rate” for the State Pension in the UK, the amount you and your partner receive depends on your individual National Insurance records and the date you reach State Pension age.

This article explains how State Pension entitlement works for couples, the current rates for the 2024 to 2025 tax year, and how married or civil partnered individuals can sometimes benefit from each other's contributions.

Is there a State Pension for couples?

No. The UK State Pension is based on individual entitlement, not household income. Each person must qualify in their own right based on their National Insurance contributions or credits.

There is no joint or couples version of the State Pension. However, under certain circumstances, you may be able to benefit from your spouse’s or civil partner’s record, especially if you are receiving the old Basic State Pension.

New State Pension for couples

If both partners reach State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016, they will fall under the new State Pension system.

• The full new State Pension is £221.20 per week per person

• If both partners qualify for the full amount, a couple could receive £442.40 per week in total

To receive the full amount, each person must have at least 35 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions or credits.

If you have between 10 and 34 qualifying years, you will receive a reduced amount based on how many years you have built up.

Basic State Pension for couples

If you or your partner reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016, you may receive the Basic State Pension.

• The full Basic State Pension is £169.50 per week per person

• A couple where both partners qualify for the full basic rate could receive £339 per week in total

However, under the old system, it is also possible for someone with a low or no National Insurance record to receive a married person’s allowance, based on their spouse’s contributions.

Married woman or civil partner’s rate:

If you do not have enough qualifying years but your spouse receives a full Basic State Pension, you may be able to claim up to £101.55 per week (2024 to 2025 figure), instead of nothing or a reduced amount.

This only applies if both of you reached pension age before 6 April 2016.

Can a spouse inherit State Pension?

There is no automatic inheritance of the State Pension, but some people may be able to benefit from their partner’s record after death.

If your partner dies, you may:

• Inherit part of their Additional State Pension if you are under the old system

• Inherit their protected payment under the new State Pension system

• Be eligible for a Bereavement Support Payment if you are under State Pension age when they die

You cannot inherit the whole State Pension from your partner, but in some cases you may receive an increased amount.

How to check how much you and your partner will get

You can check your own State Pension forecast online using the government's service:

• Visit www.gov.uk/check-state-pension

This tool will show:

• How much you are forecast to receive

• When you will reach State Pension age

• How many qualifying years you have

• Whether you can increase your pension through voluntary contributions

Each partner must check their own record separately.

Final thoughts

There is no combined State Pension for couples in the UK. Instead, each person builds up their own entitlement based on their National Insurance contributions. For 2024 to 2025, a couple who both qualify for the full new State Pension can receive up to £442.40 per week in total.

Some older couples under the Basic State Pension rules may receive lower or higher amounts depending on married allowances or inherited rights. If either of you is unsure about your position, check your forecast online or speak to the Pension Service for tailored guidance.