The government altered the Triple Lock protection on the State Pension increase 2022/23 to our detriment.

I am tempted to believe that without the substantial activity of groups such as ours, representing pensioners‘ interests, the same might have happened this year.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) figure in September 2022 was 10.1%. As a result, State Pensions will increase accordingly from 10 April this year.

From this date those in receipt of the full new State Pension will receive an extra £19 per week (£10,600 per annum). If you reached full pension age before April 2016 the increase is £14 per week (£8,100 per annum). As a result, proportionately the State Pension remains one of the lowest in the world. If you are a taxpayer the State Pension is, of course, subject to income tax.

To receive any form of State Pension you must have made at least ten years of national insurance contributions. For a full State Pension, thirty-five years of contributions are normally required.

Pension credits

If you are 66 plus years old, a single person with total weekly income under £200 or a couple with weekly income under £300 per week, you may be entitled to Pension Credit. The benefits are many, both financial and material. To check if you are eligible, visit www.gov.uk/pension-credit or alternatively phone the Pension Credit helpline 0800 99 1234.

It might be that you do not qualify for this assistance. Please take a moment to consider if a relative or friend might benefit from Pension Credit. It is thought that many of those who could be claiming are not doing so. It is a right, not a charity hand out.

Chris O’Neill

Chair, Hampshire Unison Retired Members Section

22 January 2023