Pensioners
We appreciate that sometimes pensions can be a confusing topic so what better than to have easy access to our 'Ask the Expert' tool.
Select what type of member you are
Enter a keyword phrase or question
Press GO! to return your results.
Contact   |   Library   |   Accessibility

  • Pensioners

    State benefits and tax

  • State Pension

    Any pension paid to you from the state is on top of your railway pension.

    As a rough guide, if you reach State Pension Age before 6th April 2010, you need to have National Insurance contributions paid or credited for about 90% of your working life to qualify for the full amount. If you reach State Pension Age on, or after 6th April 2010, you need to have National Insurance contributions paid or credited for 30 years to qualify for the full amount.

    S2P is calculated in respect of National Insurance contributions paid since April 1978 (and you may receive some 'graduated' earnings pension if you paid contributions before 1975). As a member of a railways pension scheme you were contracted out of this part of the state scheme.

    The Department for Work and Pensions will write to you before you reach state pension age with a form for you to complete and return in order to tell you how much you are entitled to.

    See Quick Links - DWP Website to visit their website.

  • quicklinks