Old Age Pension : Guernsey

Organization : Social Security Department
Type of Facility : Old Age Pension
Country: Guernsey

Website : https://www.gov.gg/article/119613/GOVGG

Old Age Pension :

With effect from January 2015, the Social Security Department will disclose to the Director of Income Tax, on a monthly basis, personal details of Old Age Pension claims approved during the preceding calendar month and, on an annual basis, the amount of Old Age Pension paid during the preceding calendar year to individuals who are potentially liable to Guernsey income tax in accordance with statutory powers.

Related : Guernsey Customs Import & Export Controls : www.statusin.org/8818.html

This is a pension that is payable to both men and women when they reach age 65. But in order to qualify you must satisfy certain contribution conditions. The amount payable is dependent upon the number of contributions you have made.

However, a woman who has married before 1 January 2004 may be able to use part of her husband’s record to improve her rate of pension. The rates of pension are set out in Leaflet 50 (Benefit Payment and Contribution Rates).

There are two contribution conditions that must be met for you to get your Old Age Pension:

1. You must have paid at least 156 contributions that count towards benefit in your working life.

2. For your pension to be paid at the full rate you must have paid at least 50 contributions in each year during your working life for a minimum of 45 years.

If the first condition is met but the yearly average for the second condition is less than 50 you may be entitled to a reduced Pension. But, if the yearly average is less than 10, no Pension will be payable unless contributions paid to another country can be used to raise the average.

People over 65:
The Social Security Department operates a specialist health and Long-term Care scheme which covers residents of Guernsey, Alderney, Herm and Jethou.

If you are over the age of 65 you do not have to pay social insurance contributions but you do have to pay health insurance and long-term care contributions towards the Specialist Health and Long-term Care scheme. These contributions are payable by people over age 65 and are based on assessable income.

Persons who do not make an application to pay on the basis of their actual income will be charged at the maximum weekly contribution rate.

For more information please refer to the leaflet below. If you have recently turned 65 and have not applied to pay income related contributions, please download the CF130 form which is available below. A direct debit form (CF48) is also available should you wish to set one up with regards to payment of your contributions.

Social Security Pensions & Allowances:
Social Security Department,
Edward T. Wheadon House,
Le Truchot, St Peter Port,
Guernsey, GY1 3WH,
Channel Islands

Tel: 44 1481 732506
Email: enquiry@ssd.gov.gg