Where an older spouse is currently claiming a dependency increase in their state pension, and for a wife or husband who has not yet reached retirement age, they will be advised to review the claim when the younger spouse reaches retirement age.
Issues to be considered include:
- The younger spouse’s own state pension, even if funded by the other spouse’s contributions (in which case it is known as a Category B pension), would create income for the younger spouse that may be covered by their personal allowance, so tax free.
- A continuing claim for the adult dependency allowance will likely be taxable when received by the older claimant, perhaps at higher rates.
- The present adult dependency allowance is £58.80 per week, the full Category B state pension that the younger spouse may be able to claim is now £61.20 per week.
Note: The adult dependency increase is not available for new pensions from April 2010 and will cease for existing claims by 5 April 2020 at the latest.
