The state pension (contributory), qualification is based on a number of criteria, including that a minimum of 520 qualifying contributions have been paid into the Social Insurance Fund. This ensures that people who seek a contributory pension have made at least 10 years paid contributions into the Social Insurance Fund which finances it. For those who have paid the required contributions at a reckonable rate – including Class S (self-employed) - they will be used in the calculation of their entitlements.
As we treat class 'S' paid contributions in the same way as other paid reckonable contributions e.g., class 'A' when calculating state pension contributory, my department does not currently hold a breakdown of all applications awarded or disallowed by contribution type. Therefore, the information requested by the Deputy in not available. However, if the Deputy has a particular case, he can bring it to the attention of my department who can provide further clarification.
Where a person aged 66 or over does not satisfy the conditions to qualify for a state pension (contributory), or qualifies for less than the maximum rate, they may instead qualify for one the following:
- The means-tested State Pension (non-contributory) which is a means-tested payment with a maximum payment of 95% of the SPC; or
- An increase for a qualified adult, amounting up to 90% of a full rate SPC pension where their spouse has a contributory pension; or
- Where their spouse/civil partner is deceased, a widow's/widower's/civil partner's contributory pension, which they may claim either based on their spouses or their own social insurance record. The qualifying conditions for this require fewer contributions paid (260) than the State pension (contributory), and the maximum personal rate for those aged 66 is the same rate as the state pension (contributory), with allowances (notably the Living Alone Allowance) payable where applicable.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
