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Guide / Relationships

Could a spouse or partner’s record matter?

Some older State Pension rules can depend on marriage, civil partnership and the dates involved.

Take your time. Read the information first, use the government route yourself for free if you prefer, or start our paid support process when you are ready.

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Older pension rules can involve two people, not one record.

Depending on when a person reached State Pension age and the rules applying to them, a spouse or civil partner’s National Insurance or State Pension position can sometimes be relevant.

What kinds of questions can arise?

  • whether an older marriage-based State Pension uplift applies;
  • whether a spouse or civil partner’s contribution record has been taken into account correctly;
  • whether caring/Child Benefit years sit on the other partner’s record;
  • whether a bereavement or later divorce changes which rules are relevant.

Why dates matter

The State Pension system changed significantly in April 2016. Older basic State Pension rules and the new State Pension rules are different. Marriage alone is not evidence of an underpayment.

Useful documents can include: pension award letters, marriage/civil partnership dates, spouse or partner details, NI information and relevant DWP correspondence.

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