Petition on Why the old state pension is £200 pm less than the new

A bit late to the party, I'm afraid, but my feeling is that the older one gets, the more expensive life becomes: having to employ people to help with gardening, housework, decorating, repairs etc, that had previously been DIY jobs.

Also older people often tend to stay at home more, possibly feel the cold more, both resulting in higher energy costs which, these days is no joke.

The gap between the two rates of pension widens every year, so the "extra years" that some have mentioned are little comfort to those struggling to pay their bills now.

The gap between the two rates of pension widens every year

Yes, I tried to explain that more than once but no-one seems that interested.

Can you apply for Attendance Allowance, grumpyoldwoman45, to help pay for some of the help you need? There are £billions in unclaimed benefits, much of it could be claimed by people on the old State Pension.

Don't struggle, Citizens' Advice might be able to help.

Callistemon21

^The gap between the two rates of pension widens every year^

Yes, I tried to explain that more than once but no-one seems that interested.

Can you apply for Attendance Allowance, grumpyoldwoman45, to help pay for some of the help you need? There are £billions in unclaimed benefits, much of it could be claimed by people on the old State Pension.

Don't struggle, Citizens' Advice might be able to help.

So far, Callistemon21, I'm one of the lucky ones - I was wise (?) enough to save a little for my later years but, at the current rate, this won't last long!
My thoughts are for those who haven't been so lucky and who, even with the addition of means-tested allowances, are still struggling to make ends meet.

I got my state pension at age 63, born February 9, 1953 it’s the old rate..

Shinamae

I got my state pension at age 63, born February 9, 1953 it’s the old rate..

I am a few months younger Shinamae but didn’t get mine until nearly 65. I get the higher rate.

I blame the parents!
(Sorry)

It is such an unfair system in so many ways.

grumpyoldwoman45, attendance allowance is not means-tested, so having savings will not preclude you.
might be worth having a look at it.

welbeck

grumpyoldwoman45, attendance allowance is not means-tested, so having savings will not preclude you.
might be worth having a look at it.

Thanks, welbeck, but I'm not classified as disabled (just unabled!) to carry out anything strenuous (or ladder based!) - personal care is not a problem.
I've looked into all sorts of benefits but don't qualify for anything, I'm afraid, so I'll just continue to count the blessings I do have!

nadateturbe

Pension credit is means tested. Shouldnt be. Therefore if you live with someone who brings your joint income above the qualifying level, you don't get it. Which is unfair. I paid more contributions than those receiving much more.

It doesn't matter what you paid in unfortunately. That money was paid out for your parent's and grandparen's pensions. Your children and grandchildren will be paying for your pension. Unfortunately it is very unlikely they will get a state pension in return.

If you live with someone who brings an income in you have someone who shares the expenses. Someone living alone would possibly qualify.

silverlining48

I have just signed a petition by 38 degrees asking for the old state pension of £156 pw to be increased to the new rate of £203 pw. It’s a huge difference. When the new pension began in 2016 I ( wrongly) assumed the old would be increased to the new one.
When the pension rate is mentioned by media it’s the higher amount which is mentioned as the pension rate but many of us who retired before 2016 are in the lower rate.
I worked and paid NI for nearly 50 years and amazed that this isn’t discussed more.
My tech skills aren’t up to linking so will leave it to anyone who wishes, to seek out the petition.

I totally agree here Silverlining48 , I hit the new at the time retirement age of 63 in March 2016. Receiving my 1st State Pension 8/4/2016 .
My school friends ( a lot of whom I am still in contact with )who reached 63 after myself were all in receipt of the new enhanced payment ! !
Grossly unfair , next on that list is Family members who reached the age of 66 in 2023/24 & also get the enhanced payment !
One of those never worked f/t - p/t for a period of 10years let alone 30!
Makes my blood boil !
Personally, I have worked all of my life early child rearing days included once children got to between 2-5years .
And yes , I opted out of serps , at whatever young age I was at the time , I never understood the implications of that particular choice .
Why should we be getting £200 less , so please note it’s not just those who reached retirement age prior to 2016 - it was up to & including before April 1st 2016 !!

The 'new' pension is not more than the 'old' pension. The so called new pension is capped at £221 and most people don't even get that. The old pension also has SERPS and S2P, which could be up to £218 a week on top of the basic pension. That petition is nonsense.