State Pension

Now I remember gateway. Another 'club' I'm a member of now.

I once visited a lady who had been widowed and was living very carefully on her late husbands occupational pension. She was tipped over the edge when she suddenly needed emergency dental treatment costing £300. On previewing the case I noticed that she hadn't caimed her State Pension. The letter had arrived with other post relating to her husbands death and was overlooked. DWP assumed she was deferring her pension. She was entitled to a higher rate of pension, with arrears of £3000. Result!

My husband received his pension in June. He had no communication from DWP before so thought it was going to be paid automatically. I looked up online to find he had to claim it so he did it thru the Government Gateway online. When we didn't hear anything after registration he rang back and was told there were extra forms to fill in as he had worked abroad. They were very helpful but it does seem it's up to you to check on progress of claim. Happy pension days ? I can't claim mine for another 5 years ☹️.

Since my modest teaching pension is paid at the end of the month I find it very handy to have my DWP pension paid into my account every Monday.
I'd had a forecast a few years before I retired but asked for another just a few months before. This one was quite a bit higher as it was calculated on post-divorce figures which they hadn't done first time.

You should be contacted by DWP 4 months before your retirement. However, they will write to the last known address that they hold. If you have moved house, and not had dealings with DWP since before then, the letter will go to your old address.

They are supposed to contact you, but they don't always. I didn't hear from them and phoned to check. I claimed online which was straightforward, the only problem being there was no confirmation that it was all in progress. I phoned and they confirmed it was all in place.

Thank you twice and everyone else.
I love Gransnet I don't post too often but have always felt as if I could ask for any kind of help.
Not long ago Gransnetters helped me come to terms with my shoulder replacement and prior to that helped me to find a 'mother of the groom' outfit.
Such diverse topics but lovely advice was given by all posters. for you all.

I received my first pension payment in August. I was contacted by letter several months before. I then had to contact them by phone and answer all the questions they had put in the information letter. It was suggested you do this 3 months in advance. I then had another letter the month before payment was due telling me the exact date it would be paid into my account. When I gave the question answers on phone it included my bank details. Your pension continues to be paid every 4 weeks after the first payment always on the same day ( not date) of the month. The date is decided in connection with your date of birth.

Thanks again.
Managed to find NI number so joined 'Gateway' thingy and registered successfully (hopefully)
Now will sit back and wait for the money to roll in
Watch this space.

It's supposed to be 4 months before

You have to apply otherwise you are assumed to have deferred. You can ask to be paid weekly by the way.

granzilla, your NI number will be on any communication you have had from a government source. Try looking at your annual tax code communication, it will also probably be on your payslip, as your employer will use it for NI and tax calculations.

Several months before my 60th birthday the DWP sent a letter and asked me what I would like to do regarding my pension.

You do have to activate the claim, but they should have written to you telling you to. Deferment is not quite as good as previously, but it's still worth doing your sums to see if it's worthwhile for you.
All on the gov.uk link that maryeliza posted

I think they should have been in touch with you by now. My husband is due to get his state pension in January and a couple of weeks ago, he was sent a form to fill in.

granzilla once you do get your pension, you will never have to look for your NI number again. It will be on your bank statement monthly.
Just a bit of trivia to store in your memory.

I think the deferment works differently now GK, just wish I could remember how. I think that there isn't the lump sum option now.

Thank you everyone.
You've been very helpful.
Now if I could only find my NI number.

Yes you have to apply, and you have the option of deferring it if you are still working. I deferred mine for 5 years and then opted for a lump sum payout for the deferment (instead of it being added to the weekly pension).

You have to apply to start getting it granzilla it doesn't just come automatically.

Mine just arrived in my account.
I had, however, had contact from them beforehand.
I seem to remember filling in a form last year , they need your account no. etc. If you haven't done that then contact them.

www.gov.uk/state-pension/how-to-claim

You should have heard by now - the above link tells you what to do

I've forgotten as well and it wasn't that long ago! I'm pretty sure you have to contact them - Google it- because I had a load of waffle about delaying it for a few years and getting more money. As if!!!

I can’t really remember so long ago but pretty sure it all goes through automatically I don remember contacting anyone

Not daft at all. I don't know - I have a few working years to go yet, but I will be very interested to find out too.