Extra graduated pension can be earned where retirement is deferred. Up to 5 April 1979 half the graduated pension which a person would have been paid if retirement had taken place at 65 (60 for a woman) will count as an extra contribution towards the graduated pension payable when retirement takes place or when age 70 (65 for a woman) is reached. From 6 April 1979 graduated pension will be increased by 4% for each week of deferred retirement.
Age addition: a weekly payment of 25p for all pensioners aged 80 or over. Invalidity allowance: see page 17.
How earnings affect the pension
The retirement pension (including any dependency increase) of a pensioner under 70 (65 for a woman) is reduced by 5p for every 10p of earnings between £40 and £44 and by 5p for every 5p earned over £44 (after deduction of reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the employment).
A dependency increase for a pensioner's wife (or woman having the care of his child) who resides with him is reduced in the same way by her earnings in excess of £40 a week as well as those of the pensioner. If, however, she does not reside with him the increase is not payable at all if her earnings (after deducting admissible expenses) are more than £10.50 unless she is employed by the pensioner to care for his child, when her earnings may not affect the increase. For widow retirement pensioners there are special provisions.
A pensioner under 70 (65 for a woman) who earns more than £40 in a week must declare his earnings to the local social security office. He must also declare any earnings of his wife or a woman having care of his child if he draws a dependency increase for her.
How to claim
Normally a claim form will be sent out by the Department about four months before a man's 65th birthday (60th birthday for women). If a claim form has not been received three months before his 65th (60th for women) birthday the local social security office should be notified.
Notice of date of retirement must be given in writing-this can be done up to four months in advance. If the claim or notice of retirement is late, benefit may be lost.
Further information: Leaflet NI15; NI51 (widow's) and NI95 (divorced women).
Cancelling retirement
Anyone who has retired can cancel retirement (once only) at any time between 65 and 70 (60 and 65 for a woman) so as to earn extra pension.
Further information: Leaflet N192.
Non-contributory retirement pension
for people over 80
Non-contributory retirement pension may be paid to anyone who is 80 or over if they are not getting a national insurance retirement pension or equivalent benefit (or are getting one at less than £10-50 a week (£6.30 for a married woman)). Certain residence conditions must be satisfied.
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