Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The Government has completed the equalisation of the old age pension system.
As announced in the budget, the pensionable age for men was reduced from 65 to 60 - the same as it is for women.
Now, Number Six says, the contribution requirements used to determine entitlement to a pension have also been equalised.
The equalisation of old age pensions took effect on the 1st of July.
The Chief Minister says this had to be accompanied by a "fair and proportionate adjustment to the contributions required to qualify for a pension".
Fabian Picardo said, "It would not have been right to reduce the pensionable age while continuing to assess men against a 45-year contribution period".
Men will now require 2,000 paid or credited contributions over the course of their working lives to qualify for a full old age pension - down from 2,250 previously.
The minimum qualifying condition for a reduced pension has also been brought down, from 585 to 520 paid or credited contributions.
The current maximum monthly pension is £603, while the minimum is £156.60.
Anyone who has reached or will shortly reach the age of 60 and believes they now qualify for an old age pension is encouraged to submit an application to the Department of Social Security as soon as possible.
The Government says it's making every effort to process applications promptly, but - given the expected rise in applications after the changes - it asks for patience while claims are assessed.
The Government has completed the equalisation of the old age pension system.
As announced in the budget, the pensionable age for men was reduced from 65 to 60 - the same as it is for women.
Now, Number Six says, the contribution requirements used to determine entitlement to a pension have also been equalised.
The equalisation of old age pensions took effect on the 1st of July.
The Chief Minister says this had to be accompanied by a "fair and proportionate adjustment to the contributions required to qualify for a pension".
Fabian Picardo said, "It would not have been right to reduce the pensionable age while continuing to assess men against a 45-year contribution period".
Men will now require 2,000 paid or credited contributions over the course of their working lives to qualify for a full old age pension - down from 2,250 previously.
The minimum qualifying condition for a reduced pension has also been brought down, from 585 to 520 paid or credited contributions.
The current maximum monthly pension is £603, while the minimum is £156.60.
Anyone who has reached or will shortly reach the age of 60 and believes they now qualify for an old age pension is encouraged to submit an application to the Department of Social Security as soon as possible.
The Government says it's making every effort to process applications promptly, but - given the expected rise in applications after the changes - it asks for patience while claims are assessed.
