Social Security Contributions and Benefits (Northern Ireland) Act 1992

Retirement pensions (Categories A and B)N.I.

43 Persons entitled to more than one retirement pension.N.I.

(1)A person shall not be entitled for the same period to more than one retirement pension under this Part of this Act except as provided by subsection (2) below [F1and section 61ZC below (which deals with unusual cases involving units of additional pension)].

(2)A person who, apart from subsection (1) above, would be entitled for the same period to both—

(a)a Category A or a Category B retirement pension under this Part; and

(b)a Category C or a Category D retirement pension under Part III of this Act,

shall be entitled to both of those pensions for that period, subject to any adjustment of them in pursuance of regulations under section 71 of the Administration Act.

(3)A person who, apart from subsection (1) above, would be entitled—

[F2(a)to both a Category A retirement pension and one or more Category B retirement pensions under this Part for the same period,]

[F2(aa)to more than one Category B retirement pension (but not a Category A retirement pension) under this Part for the same period, or]

(b)to both a Category C and a Category D retirement pension under Part III of this Act for the same period,

may from time to time give notice in writing to the Department specifying which of the pensions referred to in [F3paragraph (a), (aa) or (b) (as the case may be)] he wishes to receive.

(4)If a person gives such a notice, the pension so specified shall be the one to which he is entitled in respect of any week commencing after the date of the notice.

(5)If no such notice is given, the person shall be entitled to whichever of the pensions is from time to time the most favourable to him (whether it is the pension which he claimed or not).

[F4(6)For the purposes of this section, a pension under section 55A [F5or 55AA] below is not a retirement pension.]

Textual Amendments

44 Category A retirement pension.N.I.

(1)A person shall be entitled to a Category A retirement pension if—

[F6(a)the person attained pensionable age before 6 April 2016,] and

[F7(b)he satisfies the relevant conditions or condition;]

and, subject to the provisions of this Act, he shall become so entitled on the day on which he attains pensionable age and his entitlement shall continue throughout his life.

[F8(1A)In subsection (1)(b) above “the relevant conditions or condition” means—

(a)in a case where the person attains pensionable age before 6th April 2010, the conditions specified in Schedule 3, Part 1, paragraph 5;

(b)in a case where the person attains pensionable age on or after that date, the condition specified in Schedule 3, Part 1, paragraph 5A.]

(2)A Category A retirement pension shall not be payable in respect of any period falling before the day on which the pensioner’s entitlement is to be regarded as commencing for that purpose by virtue of section 5(1)(l) of the Administration Act.

(3)A Category A retirement pension shall consist of—

(a)a basic pension payable at a weekly rate; and

(b)an additional pension payable where there are one or more surpluses in the pensioner’s earnings factors for the relevant years [F9or where the pensioner has one or more units of additional pension].

[F10For units of additional pension, see section 14A.]

[F11(4)The weekly rate of the basic pension shall be [F12£137∙60] except that, so far as the sum is relevant for the purpose of calculating the lower rate of short-term incapacity benefit under section 30B(3) above, it shall be [F13£110∙05].

In this subsection “the lower rate” means the rate payable for the first 196 days of entitlement in any period of incapacity for work.]

[F14(5A)For the purpose of this section and section 45 below [F15and [F16Schedules 4A and 4B] to this Act]—

(a)there is a surplus in the pensioner’s earnings factor for a relevant year if that factor exceeds the qualifying earnings factor for [F17that year,

(b)the amount of the surplus is the amount of that excess, and

(c)for the purposes of section 45(1) and (2)(a) and (b) below, the adjusted amount of the surplus] is the amount of that excess, as increased by the last order under section 130 of the Administration Act to come into operation before the end of the final relevant year.]

(6)[F18Subject to subsection (7A) below] any reference in this section or section 45 below [F19or [F20Schedule 4A or 4B] to this Act] to the pensioner’s earnings factor for any relevant year is a reference—

[F21(za)where the relevant year is the first appointed year or any subsequent year, to the aggregate of his earnings factors derived from [F22so much of his earnings as did not exceed [F23the applicable limit] and] upon which primary Class 1 contributions have been paid or treated as paid in respect of that year;]

(a)where the relevant year is 1987-88 or any subsequent tax year [F24before the first appointed year], to the aggregate of—

(i)his earnings factors derived from earnings upon which primary Class 1 contributions were paid or treated as paid in respect of that year, and

[F25(ii)his earnings factors derived from Class 2 and Class 3 contributions actually paid in respect of that year, or, if less, the qualifying earnings factor for that year; and

(b)where the relevant year is an earlier tax year, to the aggregate of—

(i)his earnings factors derived from Class 1 contributions actually paid by him in respect of that year; and

(ii)his earnings factors derived from Class 2 and Class 3 contributions actually paid by him in respect of that year, or, if less, the qualifying earnings factor for that year.]

(7)In this section—

(a)“relevant year” means 1978-79 or any subsequent tax year in the period between—

(i)(inclusive) the tax year in which the pensioner attained the age of 16, and

(ii)(exclusive) the tax year in which he attained pensionable age;

(b)“final relevant year” means the last tax year which is a relevant year in relation to the pensioner;

[F26(c)“the applicable limit” means—

(i)in relation to a tax year before [F272009–10], the upper earnings limit;

(ii)in relation to [F272009–10] or any subsequent tax year, the upper accrual point.]

[F28(7A)The Department may prescribe circumstances in which pensioners’ earnings factors for any relevant year may be calculated in such manner as may be prescribed.]

(8)For the purposes of this section any order under Article 23 of the Pensions Order (which made provision corresponding to section 130 of the Administration Act) shall be treated as an order under section 130 (but without prejudice to sections 16 and 17 of the M1Interpretation Act 1978).

Textual Amendments

F12Sum in s. 44(4) substituted (with effect in accordance with arts. 1(2)(3), 7 of the amending Rule) by The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order (Northern Ireland) 2021 (S.R. 2021/82), arts. 1(1)(c), 4(3)(b)

F13Sum in s. 44(4) substituted (with effect in accordance with arts. 1(2)(3), 7 of the amending Rule) by The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order (Northern Ireland) 2021 (S.R. 2021/82), arts. 1(1)(c), 4(3)(a)

F14S. 44(5A) substituted for s. 44(5) (16.12.1995 subject to Sch. 2 of the amending S.I.) by S.I. 1995/3213 (N.I. 22), arts. 1(3), 125(1)(4)-(6)

F15Words in s. 44(5A) inserted (8.1.2001, 1.2.2001 for specified purposes and 6.4.2002 otherwise) by 2000 c. 4 (N.I.), s. 33(5); S.R. 2000/358, art. 2(e), Sch. Pt. IV (as amended by S.R. 2000/374, art. 3); S.R. 2001/34, art. 2(a)

F17Words in s. 44(5A) substituted (8.1.2001, 1.2.2001 for specified purposes and 6.4.2002 otherwise) by 2000 c. 4 (N.I.), s. 33(6); S.R. 2000/358, art. 2(e), Sch. Pt. IV (as amended by S.R. 2000/374, art. 3); S.R. 2001/34, art. 2(a)

F19Words in s. 44(6) inserted (8.1.2001, 1.2.2001 for specified purposes and 6.4.2002 otherwise) by 2000 c. 4 (N.I.), s. 33(7); S.R. 2000/358, art. 2(e), Sch. Pt. IV (as amended by S.R. 2000/374, art. 3); S.R. 2001/34, art. 2(a)

F21S. 44(6)(za) inserted (8.1.2001, 1.2.2001 for specified purposes and 6.4.2002 otherwise) by 2000 c. 4 (N.I.), s. 29(2)(a); S.R. 2000/358, art. 2(e), Sch. Pt. IV (as amended by S.R. 2000/374, art. 3); S.R. 2001/34, art. 2(a)

F22Words in s. 44(6)(za) substituted (with effect for 2003-04 and subsequent tax years) by National Insurance Contributions Act 2002 (c. 19), ss. 6, 8(2), Sch. 1 para. 29

F24Words in s. 44(6) inserted (8.1.2001, 1.2.2001 for specified purposes and 6.4.2002 otherwise) by 2000 c. 4 (N.I.), s. 29(2)(b); S.R. 2000/358, art. 2(e), Sch. Pt. IV (as amended by S.R. 2000/374, art. 3); S.R. 2001/34, art. 2(a)

F25S. 44(6)(a)(ii)(b) substituted (16.12.1995 subject to Sch. 2 of the amending S.I.) by S.I. 1995/3213 (N.I. 22), arts. 1(3), 125(2)(4)-(6)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1S. 44(1)(a) modified (6.4.2016) in accordance with Pensions Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 (c. 5 (N.I.)), ss. 8(1)(e), 9, 53(3), Sch. 5 (with s. 8(9)(b))

C2S. 44(5A) modified (29.12.2000) by S.R. 2000/360, reg. 2

Marginal Citations

[F2944A Deemed earnings factorsN.I.

[F30(A1)Subsections (1) to (4) below apply to the first appointed year or any subsequent tax year before 2010–11.]

(1)For the purposes of section 44(6)(za) above, if any of the conditions in subsection (2) below is satisfied for a relevant year [F31to which this subsection applies], a pensioner is deemed to have an earnings factor for that year which—

(a)is derived from [F32so much of his earnings as did not exceed [F33the applicable limit] and] on which primary Class 1 contributions were paid; and

(b)is equal to the amount which, when added to any other earnings factors taken into account under that provision, produces an aggregate of earnings factors equal to the low earnings threshold.

(2)The conditions referred to in subsection (1) above are that—

(a)the pensioner would, apart from this section, have an earnings factor for the year—

(i)equal to or greater than the qualifying earnings factor for the year; but

(ii)less than the low earnings threshold for the year;

(b)[F34carer’s allowance]—

(i)was payable to the pensioner throughout the year; or

(ii)would have been so payable but for the fact that under regulations the amount payable to him was reduced to nil because of his receipt of other benefits;

(c)for the purposes of paragraph 5(7)(b) of Schedule 3, the pensioner is taken to be precluded from regular employment by responsibilities at home throughout the year by virtue of—

(i)the fact that child benefit was payable to him in respect of a child under the age of six; or

(ii)his satisfying such other condition as may be prescribed; or

(d)the pensioner is a person satisfying the requirement in subsection (3) below to whom long-term incapacity benefit [F35or qualifying employment and support allowance] was payable throughout the year, or would have been so payable but for the fact that—

(i)he did not satisfy the contribution conditions specified in paragraph 2 of Schedule 3 [F36or, as the case may be, [F37in paragraphs 1 and 2] of Schedule 1 to the Welfare Reform Act (Northern Ireland) 2007]; or

(ii)under regulations the amount payable to him was reduced to nil because of his receipt of other benefits or of payments from an occupational pension scheme or personal pension scheme.

(3)The requirement referred to in subsection (2)(d) above is that—

(a)for one or more relevant years the pensioner has paid, or (apart from this section) is treated as having paid, primary Class 1 contributions on earnings equal to or greater than the qualifying earnings factor; and

(b)the years for which he has such a factor constitute at least one tenth of his working life.

(4)For the purposes of subsection (3)(b) above—

(a)a pensioner’s working life shall not include—

(i)any tax year before 1978-79; or

(ii)any year in which he is deemed under subsection (1) above to have an earnings factor by virtue of fulfilling the condition in subsection (2)(b) or (c) above; and

(b)the figure calculated by dividing his working life by ten shall be rounded to the nearest whole year (and any half year shall be rounded down).

[F38(4A)The following do not apply to a pensioner attaining pensionable age on or after 6th April 2010—

(a)the requirement referred to in subsection (2)(d) above, and

(b)subsections (3) and (4) above.]

(5)The low earnings threshold for the first appointed year and subsequent tax years shall be £9,500 (but subject to section 130A of the Administration Act).

[F39(5A)In subsection (1)(a) “the applicable limit” has the same meaning as in section 44.]

(6)In subsection (2)(d)(ii) above, “occupational pension scheme” and “personal pension scheme” have the same meanings as in subsection (6) of section 30DD above for the purposes of subsection (5) of that section.

[F40(7)In subsection (2)(d) “qualifying employment and support allowance” means contributory employment and support allowance where—

(a)that allowance was payable for a continuous period of 52 weeks;

(b)that allowance included the support component under section 2(2) of the Welfare Reform Act (Northern Ireland) 2007; or

(c)in the case of—

(i)a man born between 6th April 1944 and 5th April 1947, or

(ii)a woman born between 6th April 1949 and 5th April 1951,

that allowance was payable for a continuous period of 13 weeks immediately following a period throughout which statutory sick pay was payable.]]

Textual Amendments

F29S. 44A inserted (8.1.2001, 1.2.2001 for specified purposes and 6.4.2002 otherwise) by 2000 c. 4 (N.I.), s. 29(3); S.R. 2000/358, art. 2(e), Sch. Pt. IV (as amended by S.R. 2000/374, art. 3); S.R. 2001/34, art. 2(a)

F32Words in s. 44A(1)(a) substituted (with effect for 2003-04 and subsequent tax years) by National Insurance Contributions Act 2002 (c. 19), ss. 6, 8(2), Sch. 1 para. 30

F34Words in s. 44A(2)(b) substituted (21.10.2002 for certain purposes and 1.4.2003 otherwise) by The Deregulation (Carer's Allowance) Order (Northern Ireland) 2002 (S.R. 2002/321), arts. 1, 2(2)(a)(i)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3S. 44A(1) modified (8.1.2001, 1.2.2001 for specified purposes and 6.4.2002 otherwise) by 2000 c. 4 (N.I.), s. 29(4); S.R. 2000/358, art. 2(e), Sch. Pt. IV (as amended by S.R. 2000/374, art. 3); S.R. 2001/34, art. 2(a)

[F4144BDeemed earnings factors: 2010–11 onwardsN.I.

(1)This section applies to 2010–11 and subsequent tax years.

(2)For the purposes of section 44(6)(za) above, if any of Conditions A to C in subsections (3) to (5) below is satisfied for a relevant year to which this section applies, a pensioner is deemed to have an earnings factor for that year which—

(a)is derived from so much of his earnings as did not exceed [F42the upper accrual point] and on which primary Class 1 contributions were paid; and

(b)is equal to the amount which, when added to any other earnings factors taken into account under that provision, produces an aggregate of earnings factors equal to the low earnings threshold.

(3)Condition A is that the pensioner would, apart from this section, have an earnings factor for the year—

(a)equal to or greater than the qualifying earnings factor (“the QEF”) for the year, but

(b)less than the low earnings threshold for the year.

(4)Condition B is that the pensioner—

(a)would, apart from this section and section 44C below, have an earnings factor for the year less than the QEF for the year, but

(b)is entitled to an aggregate amount of earnings factor credits for that year under section 44C below equal to the difference between the QEF for the year and the earnings factor mentioned in paragraph (a) above.

(5)Condition C is that the pensioner is entitled to 52 earnings factor credits for that year under section 44C below.

(6)This section has effect in relation to the flat rate introduction year and any subsequent tax year as if—

(a)subsection (2)(b) above referred to an aggregate of earnings factors greater than the QEF, but less than the low earnings threshold, for the year (rather than to one equal to that threshold); and

(b)Condition A in subsection (3) above (and the reference to it in subsection (2) above) were omitted.

(7)In this section—

F43(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b)“the low earnings threshold” means the low earnings threshold for the year concerned as specified in section 44A above; and

(c)in subsections (3) and (4) above, any reference to the pensioner's earnings factor for a relevant year is to be construed in accordance with section 44(6)(za) above.]

Textual Amendments

[F4144CEarnings factor creditsN.I.

(1)This section applies, for the purposes of Conditions B and C in section 44B(4) and (5) above, to 2010–11 and subsequent tax years.

(2)In respect of each week—

(a)which falls in a relevant year to which this section applies, and

(b)in respect of which a pensioner is eligible for earnings factor enhancement,

the pensioner is entitled to an earnings factor credit equal to 1/52 of the QEF for that year.

This is subject to subsection (5) below.

(3)A pensioner is eligible for earnings factor enhancement in respect of a week if one or more of the following apply—

(a)he was a relevant carer in respect of that week for the purposes of section 23A above (see section 23A(3));

(b)carer's allowance was payable to him for any part of that week, or would have been so payable but for the fact that under regulations the amount payable to him was reduced to nil because of his receipt of other benefits;

(c)severe disablement allowance was payable to him for any part of that week;

(d)long-term incapacity benefit was payable to him for any part of that week or would have been so payable but for the fact that—

(i)he did not satisfy the contribution conditions in paragraph 2 of Schedule 3 to this Act, or

(ii)under regulations the amount payable to him was reduced to nil because of his receipt of other benefits or of payments from an occupational pension scheme or personal pension scheme;

(e)he satisfies such other conditions as may be prescribed.

(4)In subsection (3)(d)(ii) above “occupational pension scheme” and “personal pension scheme” have the meanings given by subsection (6) of section 30DD above for the purposes of subsection (5) of that section.

(5)For the purposes of Condition B in section 44B(4) above a person is not entitled to an aggregate amount of earnings factor credits in respect of a year that is greater than the difference referred to in that Condition.

(6)For the purposes of this section a week that falls partly in one tax year and partly in another is to be treated as falling in the year in which it begins and not in the following year.

(7)In section 44B above and this section—

(a)“the QEF” means the qualifying earnings factor, and

(b)any reference to a person being entitled to an earnings factor credit of a particular amount (or to an aggregate amount of earnings factor credits) for a year is a reference to the person being treated as having for that year an earnings factor (within the meaning of section 44(6)(za) above) of the amount in question by virtue of subsection (2) above.]

Textual Amendments

45 The additional pension in a Category A retirement pension.N.I.

(1)The weekly rate of the additional pension in a Category A retirement pension in any case where the pensioner attained pensionable age in a tax year before 6th April 1999 shall be [F44the sum of the following—

(a)in relation to any surpluses in the pensioner's earnings factors,] the weekly equivalent of 1 1/4 per cent. of the [F45adjusted] amount of the surpluses mentioned in section 44(3)(b) above [F46; and

(b)if the pensioner has one or more units of additional pension, a specified amount for each of those units.]

(2)The weekly rate of the additional pension in a Category A retirement pension in any case where the pensioner attained pensionable age in a tax year after 5th April 1999 shall be [F47the sum of the following]—

(a)in relation to any surpluses in the pensioner’s earnings factors for the tax years in the period beginning with 1978-79 and ending with 1987-88, the weekly equivalent of 25/N per cent. of the [F45adjusted] amount of those surpluses; and

(b)in relation to any surpluses in the pensioner’s earnings factors in a tax year after 1987-88 [F48but before the first appointed year], the weekly equivalent of the relevant percentage of the [F45adjusted] amount of those surpluses [F49; and

(c)in relation to any tax years falling within subsection (3A) below, the weekly equivalent of the amount calculated in accordance with Schedule 4A to this Act][F50; and

(d)in relation to the flat rate introduction year and subsequent tax years, the weekly equivalent of the amount calculated in accordance with Schedule 4B to this Act][F51; and

(e)if the pensioner has one or more units of additional pension, a specified amount for each of those units].

[F52(2A)For the purposes of subsections (1)(b) and (2)(e) the “specified amount” is an amount to be specified by the Department in regulations.]

(3)In subsection (2)(b) above, “relevant percentage” means—

(a)20/N per cent., where the pensioner attained pensionable age in 2009-10 or any subsequent tax year;

(b)(20+X)/N per cent., where the pensioner attained pensionable age in a tax year falling within the period commencing with 1999-2000 and ending with 2008-9.

[F53(3A)The following tax years fall within this subsection—

(a)the first appointed year;

(b)subsequent tax years [F54before the flat rate introduction year].]

(4)In this section—

(a)X = 0.5 for each tax year by which the tax year in which the pensioner attained pensionable age precedes 2009-10; and

(b)N = the number of tax years in the pensioner’s working life which fall after 5th April 1978;

but paragraph (b) above is subject, in particular, to subsection (5) and, where applicable, section 46 below.

(5)Regulations may direct that in prescribed cases or classes of cases any tax year shall be disregarded for the purpose of calculating N under subsection (4)(b) above, if it is a tax year after 5th April 1978 in which the pensioner—

(a)was credited with contributions or earnings under this Act by virtue of regulations under section 22(5) above, or

(b)was precluded from regular employment by responsibilities at home, or

(c)in prescribed circumstances, would have been treated as falling within paragraph (a) or (b) above,

but not so as to reduce the number of years below 20.

(6)For the purposes of subsections (1) and (2) above, the weekly equivalent of [F55any amount] shall be calculated by dividing that amount by 52 and rounding the result to the nearest whole penny, taking any 1/2p as nearest to the next whole penny.

(7)Where the amount falling to be rounded under subsection (6) above is a sum less than 1/2p, the amount calculated under that subsection shall be taken to be zero, notwithstanding any other provision of this Act or the Administration Act.

(8)The sums which are the weekly rate of the additional pension in a Category A retirement pension are subject to alteration by orders made by the Department under section 132 of the Administration Act.

Textual Amendments

F44Words in s. 45(1)(a) inserted (16.7.2015 for specified purposes, 12.10.2015 in so far as not already in force) by Pensions Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 (c. 5), s. 53(1), Sch. 15 para. 4(2)(a); S.R. 2015/307, art. 2(2)(l); S.R. 2015/329, art. 2(3)

F45Words in s. 45(1)(2)(a)(b) inserted (8.1.2001, 1.2.2001 for specified purposes and 6.4.2002 otherwise) by 2000 c. 4 (N.I.), s. 33(8)(a); S.R. 2000/358, art. 2(e), Sch. Pt. IV (as amended by S.R. 2000/374, art. 3); S.R. 2001/34, art. 2(a)

F46S. 45(1)(b) and preceding word inserted (16.7.2015 for specified purposes, 12.10.2015 in so far as not already in force) by Pensions Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 (c. 5), s. 53(1), Sch. 15 para. 4(2)(b); S.R. 2015/307, art. 2(2)(l); S.R. 2015/329, art. 2(3)

F47Words in s. 45(2) inserted (8.1.2001, 1.2.2001 for specified purposes and 6.4.2002 otherwise) by 2000 c. 4 (N.I.), s. 30(1)(a); S.R. 2000/358, art. 2(e), Sch. Pt. IV (as amended by S.R. 2000/374, art. 3); S.R. 2001/34, art. 2(a)

F48Words in s. 45(2)(b) inserted (8.1.2001, 1.2.2001 for specified purposes and 6.4.2002 otherwise) by 2000 c. 4 (N.I.), s. 30(1)(b); S.R. 2000/358, art. 2(e), Sch. Pt. IV (as amended by S.R. 2000/374, art. 3); S.R. 2001/34, art. 2(a)

F49S. 45(2)(c) and preceding word added (8.1.2001, 1.2.2001 for specified purposes and 6.4.2002 otherwise) by 2000 c. 4 (N.I.), s. 30(1)(c); S.R. 2000/358, art. 2(e), Sch. Pt. IV (as amended by S.R. 2000/374, art. 3); S.R. 2001/34, art. 2(a)

F50S. 45(2)(d) and preceding word added (11.2.2008) by Pensions Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 (c. 1), s. 9(2)

F51S. 45(2)(e) and preceding word inserted (16.7.2015 for specified purposes, 12.10.2015 in so far as not already in force) by Pensions Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 (c. 5), s. 53(1), Sch. 15 para. 4(3); S.R. 2015/307, art. 2(2)(l); S.R. 2015/329, art. 2(3)

F52S. 45(2A) inserted (16.7.2015 for specified purposes, 12.10.2015 in so far as not already in force) by Pensions Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 (c. 5), s. 53(1), Sch. 15 para. 4(4); S.R. 2015/307, art. 2(2)(l); S.R. 2015/329, art. 2(3)

F53S. 45(3A) inserted (8.1.2001, 1.2.2001 for specified purposes and 6.4.2002 otherwise) by 2000 c. 4 (N.I.), s. 30(2); S.R. 2000/358, art. 2(e), Sch. Pt. IV (as amended by S.R. 2000/374, art. 3); S.R. 2001/34, art. 2(a)

F55Words in s. 45(6) substituted (8.1.2001, 1.2.2001 for specified purposes and 6.4.2002 otherwise) by 2000 c. 4 (N.I.), s. 33(8)(b); S.R. 2000/358, art. 2(e), Sch. Pt. IV (as amended by S.R. 2000/374, art. 3); S.R. 2001/34, art. 2(a)

[F5645AAEffect of working families' tax credit and disabled person's tax credit on earnings factorN.I.

(1)For the purposes of calculating additional pension under sections 44 and 45 where, in the case of any relevant year, working families' tax credit is paid in respect of any employed earner, or disabled person's tax credit is paid to any employed earner, section 44(6)(a)(i) shall have effect as if—

(a)where that person had earnings of not less than the qualifying earnings factor for that year, being earnings upon which primary Class 1 contributions were paid or treated as paid (“qualifying earnings”) in respect of that year, the amount of those qualifying earnings were increased by the aggregate amount (“AG”) of working families' tax credit, or, as the case may be, disabled person's tax credit paid in respect of that year, and

(b)in any other case, that person had qualifying earnings in respect of that year and the amount of those qualifying earnings were equal to AG plus the qualifying earnings factor for that year.

(2)The reference in subsection (1) to the person in respect of whom working families' tax credit is paid—

(a)where it is paid to one of a couple, is a reference to the prescribed member of the couple, and

(b)in any other case, is a reference to the person to whom it is paid.

(3)A person's qualifying earnings in respect of any year cannot be treated by virtue of subsection (1) as exceeding the upper earnings limit for that year multiplied by 53.

(4)Subsection (1) does not apply to any woman who has made, or is treated as having made, an election under regulations under section 19(4), which has not been revoked, that her liability in respect of primary Class 1 contributions shall be at a reduced rate.

(5)In this section—

  • “couple” has the same meaning as in Part 7 (see section 133);

  • “relevant year” has the same meaning as in section 44.]

Textual Amendments

F56S. 45AA inserted (3.1.2012 with retrospective effect in accordance with Sch. 3 para. 5(2)-(5) to the amending Act) by Pensions (No. 2) Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 (c. 13), s. 118(1), Sch. 3 para. 5(1) (with s. 73); S.R. 2011/441, art. 2(c)(v)

F5745A Effect of family credit and disability working allowance on earnings factor. N.I.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

[F5845B Reduction of additional pension in Category A retirement pension: pension sharing.N.I.

(1)The weekly rate of the additional pension in a Category A retirement pension shall be reduced as follows in any case where—

(a)the pensioner has become subject to a state scheme pension debit, and

(b)the debit is to any extent referable to the additional pension.

(2)If the pensioner became subject to the debit in or after the final relevant year, the weekly rate of the additional pension shall be reduced by the appropriate weekly amount.

(3)If the pensioner became subject to the debit before the final relevant year, the weekly rate of the additional pension shall be reduced by the appropriate weekly amount multiplied by the relevant revaluation percentage.

(4)The appropriate weekly amount for the purposes of subsections (2) and (3) above is the weekly rate, expressed in terms of the valuation day, at which the cash equivalent, on that day, of the pension mentioned in subsection (5) below is equal to so much of the debit as is referable to the additional pension.

(5)The pension referred to above is a notional pension for the pensioner by virtue of section 44(3)(b) above which becomes payable on the later of—

(a)his attaining pensionable age, and

(b)the valuation day.

(6)For the purposes of subsection (3) above, the relevant revaluation percentage is the percentage specified, in relation to earnings factors for the tax year in which the pensioner became subject to the debit, by the last order under section 130 of the Administration Act to come into operation before the end of the final relevant year.

[F59(7)The Department may by regulations make provision for the calculation and verification of cash equivalents for the purposes of this section.

(7A)The power conferred by subsection (7) above includes power to provide—

(a)for calculation or verification in such manner as may be approved by or on behalf of the Government Actuary, and

(b)for things done under the regulations to be required to be done in accordance with guidance from time to time prepared by a person prescribed by the regulations.]

(8)In this section—

  • “final relevant year” means the tax year immediately preceding that in which the pensioner attains pensionable age;

  • “state scheme pension debit” means a debit under Article 46(1)(a) of the Welfare Reform and Pensions (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 (debit for the purposes of this Part of this Act);

  • “valuation day” means the day on which the pensioner became subject to the state scheme pension debit.]

Textual Amendments

F59S. 45B(7)(7A) substituted for s. 45B(7) (22.11.2000) by 2000 c. 4 (N.I.), s. 37(2); S.R. 2000/358, art. 2(a), Sch. Pt. I

46 Modifications of s. 45 for calculating the additional pension in certain benefits.N.I.

F60(1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2)For the purpose of determining the additional pension falling to be calculated under section 45 above by virtue of section 39(1) [F61or 39C(1)] F62... above or section F63... [F6448B(2)] below in a case where the deceased spouse died under pensionable age [F65or by virtue of section 39C(1) above or section F63... [F6448B(2)] below in a case where the deceased civil partner died under pensionable age], the following definition shall be substituted for the definition of “N” in section 45(4)(b) above—

[F66N=

(a)

the number of tax years which begin after 5th April 1978 and end before the date when the entitlement to the additional pension commences, or

(b)

the number of tax years in the period—

(i)

beginning with the tax year in which the deceased spouse [F67or civil partner] (“S”) attained the age of 16 or if later 1978 79, and

(ii)

ending immediately before the tax year in which S would have attained pensionable age if S had not died earlier.

whichever is the smaller number.]

.

[F68(3)For the purpose of determining the additional pension falling to be calculated under section 45 above by virtue of section 48BB below in a case where the deceased spouse [F69or civil partner] died under pensionable age, the following definition shall be substituted for the definition of “N” in section 45(4)(b) above—

“N” =

“a

the number of tax years which begin after 5th April 1978 and end before the date when the deceased spouse [F69or civil partner] dies, or

b

the number of tax years in the period—

(i)

beginning with the tax year in which the deceased spouse [F69or civil partner] (“S”) attained the age of 16 or, if later, 1978-79, and

(ii)

ending immediately before the tax year in which S would have attained pensionable age if S had not died earlier,

whichever is the smaller number. ”]

[F70(4)For the purpose of determining the additional pension falling to be calculated under section 45 above by virtue of section 39C(1) above in a case where the deceased spouse or civil partner died under pensionable age, section 45 above has effect subject to the following additional modifications—

(a)the omission of subsection (2)(d), and

(b)the omission in subsection (3A)(b) of the words “before the flat rate introduction year”.]

Textual Amendments

F61Words in s. 46(2) inserted (24.4.2000 for specified purposes and 9.4.2001 otherwise) by S.I. 1999/3147 (N.I. 11), art. 67, Sch. 8 para. 4(a); S.R. 2000/133, art. 2(3)(a), Sch. Pt. I

F66Words in s. 46(2) substituted (16.12.1995 subject to Sch. 2 of the amending S.I.) by S.I. 1995/3213 (N.I. 22), arts. 1(3), 123, Sch. 2 Pt. II para. 5

F68S. 46(3) added (8.1.2001 for specified purposes and 9.4.2001 otherwise) by 2000 c. 4 (N.I.), s. 31(1); S.R. 2000/358, art. 2(e), Sch. Pt. IV (as amended by S.R. 2000/374, art. 3); S.R. 2001/34, art. 2(c)

47 Increase of Category A retirement pension for invalidity.N.I.

(1)Subject to section 61 below, the weekly rate of a Category A retirement pension shall be increased if the pensioner was entitled to an [F71age addition to long-term incapacity benefit by virtue of regulations under section 30B(7) above] in respect of—

(a)any day falling within the period of 8 weeks ending immediately before the day on which he attains pensionable age; or

(b)the last day before the beginning of that period;

and the increase shall, subject to subsection (2) below, be of an amount equal to the appropriate weekly rate of the [F71age addition to long-term incapacity benefit by virtue of regulations under section 30B(7) above] on that day.

(2)Where for any period the weekly rate of a Category A retirement pension includes an additional pension, for that period the relevant amount shall be deducted from the amount that would otherwise be the increase under subsection (1) above and the pensioner shall be entitled to an increase under that subsection only if there is a balance remaining after that deduction and, if there is such a balance, of an amount equal to it.

(3)In subsection (2) above the “relevant amount” means an amount equal to the additional pension, reduced by the amount of any reduction in the weekly rate of the Category A retirement pension made by virtue of [F72section 42 of the Pensions Act].

[F73(3A)In subsections (2) and (3) above references to additional pension do not include any amount of additional pension attributable to units of additional pension.

(3B)For units of additional pension, see section 14A.]

(4)In this section any reference to an additional pension is a reference to that pension after any increase under section 52(3) below but without any increase under paragraphs 1 and 2 of Schedule 5 to this Act.

(5)In ascertaining for the purposes of subsection (1) above the rate of a pensioner’s [F71age addition to long-term incapacity benefit by virtue of regulations under section 30B(7) above], regard shall be had to the rates in force from time to time.

(6)Regulations may provide that subsection (1) above shall have effect as if for the reference to 8 weeks there were substituted a reference to a larger number of weeks specified in the regulations.

Textual Amendments

F72Words in s. 47(3) substituted (7.2.1994) by 1993 c. 49, s. 184, Sch. 7 para. 33; S.R. 1994/17, art. 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C4S. 47 modified (7.2.1994) by 1993 c. 49, s. 42(4); S.R. 1994/17, art. 2

S. 47 modified (13.4.1995) by S.R. 1995/35, reg. 23

C5S. 47(1) modified (7.2.1994) by 1993 c. 49, s. 42(5); S.R. 1994/17, art. 2

C6S. 47(2) modified (7.2.1994) by 1993 c. 49, s. 44(2); S.R. 1994/17, art. 2

48 Use of former spouse’s contributions.N.I.

(1)Where a person [F74who attained pensionable age before 6 April 2016]—

(a)has been [F75in a relevant relationship], and

(b)in respect of the tax year in which the [F76relationship] terminated or any previous tax year, does not with his own contributions satisfy the contribution conditions for a Category A retirement pension,

then, for the purpose of enabling him to satisfy those conditions (but only in respect of any claim for a Category A retirement pension), the contributions of his former spouse [F77or civil partner] may to the prescribed extent be treated as if they were his own contributions.

(2)Subsection (1) above shall not apply in relation to any person who attained pensionable age before 6th April 1979 if the termination of his [F78relevant relationship] also occurred before that date.

[F79(2A)Regulations under subsection (1) may not provide for contributions of a person in respect of times on or after 6 April 2016 to be treated as contributions of another person.]

[F80(3)Where a person has been in a relevant relationship more than once, this section applies only to the last relevant relationship and the references to his relevant relationship and his former spouse or civil partner shall be construed accordingly.]

[F80(4)In this section, “relevant relationship” means a marriage or civil partnership.]

[F81(5)For the purposes of this section, a civil partnership is not to be treated as having terminated—

(a)by reason of its having been—

(i)converted into a marriage under [F82Part 3 of the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Northern Ireland) (No. 2) Regulations 2020, Part 3 or 4 of the Marriage of Same Sex Couples (Conversion of Civil Partnership) Regulations 2014 or] section 9 of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013;

(ii)changed into a marriage under the Marriage (Scotland) Act 1977;

(iii)changed into a marriage in accordance with provision made under section 10 of the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act 2014; or

(iv)changed into a marriage under Part 5 of the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act 2014 and Civil Partnership Act 2004 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2014; or

(b)by reason of a marriage which has been treated in Northern Ireland as a civil partnership ceasing to be so treated with effect from 13 January 2020.]

[F83(6)For the purposes of this section, a marriage is not to be treated as having terminated by reason of its having been converted into a civil partnership under Part 3, 4 or 5 of the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Northern Ireland) (No. 2) Regulations 2020.]

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C7S. 48(1) modified (6.4.2016) in accordance with Pensions Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 (c. 5), ss. 8(1)(e), 9, 53(3), Sch. 5 (with s. 8(9)(b))

[F8448ACategory B retirement pension for married person or civil partnerN.I.

(1)A married person is entitled to a Category B retirement pension by virtue of the contributions of his or her spouse if—

(a)the person attained pensionable age before 6 April 2016, and

(b)the spouse—

(i)has attained pensionable age, and

(ii)satisfies the relevant contribution condition.

(2)But subsection (1) does not confer a right to a Category B retirement pension on a man whose spouse was born before 6 April 1950.

[F85(2A)And subsection (1) does not confer a right to a Category B retirement pension on a woman whose wife was born before 6 April 1950.]

(3)A person who is a civil partner is entitled to a Category B retirement pension by virtue of the contributions of his or her civil partner (“the contributing civil partner”) if—

(a)the person attained pensionable age before 6 April 2016, and

(b)the contributing civil partner—

(i)was born on or after 6 April 1950,

(ii)has attained pensionable age, and

(iii)satisfies the condition in paragraph 5A of Schedule 3.

(4)A Category B retirement pension payable under this section is payable at the weekly rate specified in paragraph 5 of Part 1 of Schedule 4.

(5)A person ceases to be entitled to a Category B retirement pension under this section if—

(a)the person's spouse or civil partner dies (but see sections 48B and 51), or

(b)the person otherwise ceases to be married or in the civil partnership (but see section 48AA).

(6)In subsection (1)(b)(ii) “the relevant contribution condition” means—

(a)in a case where the spouse was born before 6 April 1945, the conditions in paragraph 5 of Schedule 3;

(b)in any other case, the condition in paragraph 5A of Schedule 3.

[F86(6A)For the purposes of subsection (5)(b), a person is not to be treated as having ceased to be in a civil partnership—

(a)by reason of its having been—

(i)converted into a marriage under [F87Part 3 of the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Northern Ireland) (No. 2) Regulations 2020, Part 3 or 4 of the Marriage of Same Sex Couples (Conversion of Civil Partnership) Regulations 2014 or] section 9 of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013;

(ii)changed into a marriage under the Marriage (Scotland) Act 1977;

(iii)changed into a marriage in accordance with provision made under section 10 of the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act 2014; or

(iv)changed into a marriage under Part 5 of the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act 2014 and Civil Partnership Act 2004 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2014; or

(b)by reason of a marriage which has been treated in Northern Ireland as a civil partnership ceasing to be so treated with effect from 13 January 2020.]

[F88(6B)For the purposes of subsection (5)(b), a person is not to be treated as having ceased to be married by reason of the person’s marriage having been converted into a civil partnership under Part 3, 4 or 5 of the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Northern Ireland) (No. 2) Regulations 2020.]

(7)For the purposes of any provision of this Act as it applies in relation to this section, no account is to be taken of any earnings factors of the spouse or contributing civil partner for the tax year beginning with 6 April 2016 or any later tax year.

[F89(8)Section 51ZA contains special rules for cases involving changes in gender.]]

Textual Amendments

F84Ss. 48A, 48AA substituted for s. 48A (6.4.2016) by Pensions Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 (c. 5), s. 53(3), Sch. 12 para. 52

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C8S. 48A(1)(3) applied (with modifications) (6.4.2016) by Pensions Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 (c. 5 (N.I.)), ss. 8(1)(e), 9, 53(3), Sch. 5 (with s. 8(9)(b))

[F8448AACategory B retirement pension for divorcee or former civil partnerN.I.

(1)A person who has been in a marriage that has been dissolved is entitled to a Category B retirement pension by virtue of the contributions of his or her former spouse if—

(a)the person attained pensionable age—

(i)before 6 April 2016, and

(ii)before the marriage was dissolved, and

(b)the former spouse—

(i)attained pensionable age before the marriage was dissolved, and

(ii)satisfied the relevant contribution condition.

(2)But subsection (1) does not confer a right to a Category B retirement pension on a man whose former spouse was born before 6 April 1950.

[F90(2A)And subsection (1) does not confer a right to a Category B retirement pension on a woman whose former wife was born before 6 April 1950.]

(3)A person who has been in a civil partnership that has been dissolved is entitled to a Category B retirement pension by virtue of the contributions of his or her former civil partner if—

(a)the person attained pensionable age—

(i)before 6 April 2016, and

(ii)before the civil partnership was dissolved, and

(b)the former civil partner—

(i)was born on or after 6 April 1950,

(ii)attained pensionable age before the civil partnership was dissolved, and

(iii)satisfied the condition in paragraph 5A of Schedule 3.

(4)During any period when the person's former spouse or civil partner is alive, a Category B retirement pension payable under this section is payable at the weekly rate specified in paragraph 5 of Part 1 of Schedule 4.

(5)During any period after the person's former spouse or civil partner is dead, a Category B retirement pension payable under this section is payable at the weekly rate of the basic pension specified in section 44(4).

(6)In subsection (1)(b)(ii) “the relevant contribution condition” means—

(a)in a case where the former spouse was born before 6 April 1945, the conditions in paragraph 5 of Schedule 3;

(b)in any other case, the condition in paragraph 5A of Schedule 3.

(7)For the purposes of any provision of this Act as it applies in relation to this section, no account is to be taken of any earnings factors of the former spouse or civil partner for the tax year beginning with 6 April 2016 or any later tax year.

(8)A voidable marriage or civil partnership which has been annulled is to be treated for the purposes of this section as if it had been a valid marriage or civil partnership which was dissolved at the date of annulment.

[F91(9)Section 51ZA contains special rules for cases involving changes in gender.]]

Textual Amendments

F84Ss. 48A, 48AA substituted for s. 48A (6.4.2016) by Pensions Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 (c. 5), s. 53(3), Sch. 12 para. 52

[F9248B Category B retirement pension for widows and widowers.N.I.

[F93(1)A person (“the pensioner”) whose spouse died while they were married is entitled to a Category B retirement pension by virtue of the contributions of his or her spouse if—

(a)the pensioner attained pensionable age—

(i)before 6 April 2016, and

(ii)before the spouse died, and

(b)the spouse satisfied the relevant contribution condition.]

[F93(1ZA)But subsection (1) does not confer a right to a Category B retirement pension on a man who attained pensionable age before 6 April 2010.]

[F94(1ZAA)And subsection (1) does not confer a right to a Category B retirement pension on a woman who attained pensionable age before 6 April 2010 if the spouse was a woman.]

[F93(1ZB)In subsection (1)(b) “the relevant contribution condition” means—

(a)in a case where the spouse—

(i)died before 6 April 2010, or

(ii)died on or after that date having attained pensionable age before that date,

the conditions in paragraph 5 of Schedule 3, and

(b)in any other case, the condition in paragraph 5A of Schedule 3.]

[F93(1A)A person (“the pensioner”) whose civil partner died while they were civil partners of each other is entitled to a Category B retirement pension by virtue of the contributions of his or her civil partner if—

(a)the pensioner attained pensionable age—

(i)on or after 6 April 2010 but before 6 April 2016, and

(ii)before the civil partner died, and

(b)the civil partner satisfied the relevant contribution condition.]

[F93(1B)In subsection (1A)(b) “the relevant contribution condition” means—

(a)in a case where the deceased civil partner attained pensionable age before 6 April 2010, the conditions in paragraph 5 of Schedule 3, and

(b)in any other case, the condition in paragraph 5A of Schedule 3.]

(2)A Category B retirement pension payable by virtue of subsection (1) [F95or (1A)] above shall be payable at a weekly rate corresponding to—

(a)the weekly rate of the basic pension, plus

(b)half of the weekly rate of the additional pension,

determined in accordance with the provision of sections 44 to [F9645B] above [F97and [F98Schedules 4A and 4B] to this Act] as they apply in relation to a Category A retirement pension, but subject to section [F9946] above and the modifications in subsection (3) below and section 48C(4) below.

(3)Where the spouse [F100or civil partner] died under pensionable age, references in the provisions of section 44 to [F9645B] above [F97and Schedule 4A to this Act] as applied by subsection (2) above to the tax year in which the pensioner attained pensionable age shall be taken as references to the tax year in which the spouse [F100or civil partner] died.

[F101(3A)For the purposes of any provision of this Act as it applies in relation to this section, no account is to be taken of any earnings factors of the deceased for the tax year beginning with 6 April 2016 or any later tax year.]

[F102(4)A woman (“the pensioner”) whose husband died before she attained pensionable age is entitled to a Category B retirement pension by virtue of the contributions of her husband if—

(a)she attained pensionable age before 6 April 2016, and

(b)the condition in subsection (5) is satisfied.]

[F102(4A)A man (“the pensioner”) whose wife died before he attained pensionable age is entitled to a Category B retirement pension by virtue of the contributions of his wife if—

(a)he attained pensionable age on or after 6 April 2010 but before 6 April 2016, and

(b)the condition in subsection (5) would have been satisfied on the assumption mentioned in subsection (7).]

(5)The condition is that the pensioner—

(a)is entitled (or is treated by regulations as entitled) to a widow’s pension by virtue of section 38 above, and

(b)became entitled to that pension in consequence of the spouse’s death.

(6)A Category B retirement pension payable by virtue of subsection (4) [F103or (4A)] above shall be payable—

(a)where the pensioner is a woman, at the same weekly rate as her widow’s pension and

(b)where the pensioner is a man, at the same weekly rate as that of the pension to which he would have been entitled by virtue of section 38 above on the assumption mentioned in subsection (7) below.

(7)The assumption referred to in subsections [F104(4A)] and (6) above is that a man is entitled to a pension by virtue of section 38 above on the same terms and conditions, and at the same rate, as a woman.

[F105(8)Nothing in subsections (4) to (7) above applies in a case where the spouse dies on or after [F1069 April 2001].]

[F107(9)Subsection (10) applies in the case of a pensioner entitled to a Category B retirement pension by virtue of subsection (1) or (1A) whose spouse or civil partner—

(a)attained pensionable age on or after 6th April 2016, and

(b)died after attaining pensionable age.

(10)Where this subsection applies, the amount determined in accordance with subsection (2) as the weekly rate of the additional pension payable to the pensioner shall be increased by such percentage as equals the overall percentage by which, had the pension been in payment as from the date when the spouse or civil partner reached pensionable age until the spouse’s or civil partner’s death, that weekly rate would have increased during that period by virtue of orders under section 132 of the Administration Act (annual uprating of benefits).]

[F108(11)Section 51ZA contains special rules for cases involving changes in gender.]]

Textual Amendments

F92Ss. 48A-48C substituted for ss. 49, 50 (16.12.1995 subject to Sch. 2 of the amending S.I.) by S.I. 1995/3213 (N.I. 22), arts. 1(3), 123, Sch. 2 Pt. II para. 3(1)

F97Words in s. 48B(2)(3) inserted (8.1.2001, 1.2.2001 for specified purposes and 6.4.2002 otherwise) by 2000 c. 4 (N.I.), s. 33(10); S.R. 2000/358, art. 2(e), Sch. Pt. IV (as amended by S.R. 2000/374, art. 3); S.R. 2001/34, art. 2(a)

F105S. 48B(8) added (24.4.2000 for specified purposes and 9.4.2001 otherwise) by S.I. 1999/3147 (N.I. 11), art. 67, Sch. 8 para. 5; S.R. 2000/133, art. 2(3)(a), Sch. Pt. I

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C9S. 48B restricted (16.12.1995 subject to Sch. 2 of the amending S.I.) by S.I. 1995/3213 (N.I. 22), arts. 1(3), 123, Sch. 2 Pt. II para. 3(3)

C10S. 48B modified (6.10.2002) by S.R. 2001/441, art. 2

C11S. 48B(1)(1A)(4)(4A) modified (6.4.2016) in accordance with Pensions Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 (c. 5 (N.I.)), ss. 8(1)(e), 9, 53(3), Sch. 5 (with s. 8(9)(b))

[F10948BB Category B retirement pension: entitlement by reference to benefits under section 39A or 39B.N.I.

(1)Subsection (2) below applies where a person (“the pensioner”) [F110who attained pensionable age before 6 April 2016]—

(a)was, immediately before attaining that age, entitled to a widowed parent’s allowance in consequence of the death of his or her spouse [F111or civil partner]; and

(b)has not [F112following that death married or formed a civil partnership].

(2)The pensioner shall be entitled to a Category B retirement pension by virtue of the contributions of the spouse [F111or civil partner], which shall be payable at the same weekly rate as the widowed parent’s allowance.

(3)Subsections (4) to (10) below apply where a person (“the pensioner”) [F113who attained pensionable age before 6 April 2016]—

(a)was in consequence of the death of his or her spouse [F111or civil partner] either—

(i)entitled to a bereavement allowance [F114under section 39B (before that section was repealed)] at any time prior to attaining that age, or

(ii)entitled to a widowed parent’s allowance at any time when over the age of 45 (but not immediately before attaining pensionable age); and

(b)has not [F115following that death married or formed a civil partnership].

(4)The pensioner shall be entitled to a Category B retirement pension by virtue of the contributions of the spouse [F111or civil partner].

(5)A Category B retirement pension payable by virtue of subsection (4) above shall be payable at a weekly rate corresponding to the weekly rate of the additional pension determined in accordance with the provisions of sections 44 to [F11645AA] [F117and 45B] above [F118and [F119Schedules 4A and 4B] to this Act] as they apply in relation to a Category A retirement pension, but [F120subject to section [F12146] above and to the following provisions of this section and the modification in section 48C(4) below.]

(6)Where the spouse [F111or civil partner] died under pensionable age, references in the provisions of sections 44 to [F12245AA] [F123and 45B] above [F118and Schedule 4A to this Act], as applied by subsection (5) above, to the tax year in which the pensioner attained pensionable age shall be taken as references to the tax year in which the spouse [F111or civil partner] died.

(7)Where the spouse [F111or civil partner] dies after [F1245th October 2002], the pension payable by virtue of subsection (4) above shall (before making any reduction required by subsection (8) below) be one half of the amount which it would be apart from this subsection.

(8)Where the pensioner was under the age of 55 at the relevant time, the weekly rate of the pension shall be reduced by 7 per cent. of what it would be apart from this subsection multiplied—

(a)by the number of years by which the pensioner’s age at that time was less than 55 (any fraction of a year being counted as a year), or

(b)by ten, if that number exceeds ten.

(9)In subsection (8) above “the relevant time” means—

(a)where the pensioner became entitled to a widowed parent’s allowance in consequence of the death of the spouse [F111or civil partner], the time when the pensioner’s entitlement to that allowance ended; and

(b)otherwise, the time of the spouse’s [F125or civil partner's] death.

(10)The amount determined in accordance with subsections (5) to (9) above as the weekly rate of the pension payable to the pensioner by virtue of subsection (4) above shall be increased by such percentage as equals the overall percentage by which, had the pension been in payment as from the date of the spouse’s [F125or civil partner's] death until the date when the pensioner attained pensionable age, that weekly rate would have been increased during that period by virtue of any orders under section 132 of the Administration Act (annual up-rating of benefits).]

Textual Amendments

F109S. 48BB inserted (24.4.2000 for specified purposes and 9.4.2001 otherwise) by S.I. 1999/3147 (N.I. 11), art. 53; S.R. 2000/133, art. 2(3)(a), Sch. Pt. I

F116Figure in s. 48BB(5) substituted (3.1.2012 with retrospective effect in accordance with Sch. 3 para. 5(2)-(5) to the amending Act) by Pensions (No. 2) Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 (c. 13), s. 118(1), Sch. 3 para. 9(2)(a) (with s. 73); S.R. 2011/441, art. 2(c)(xi)

F118Words in s. 48BB(5)(6) inserted (8.1.2001, 1.2.2001 for specified purposes and 6.4.2002 otherwise) by 2000 c. 4 (N.I.), s. 33(11); S.R. 2000/358, art. 2(e), Sch. Pt. IV (as amended by S.R. 2000/374, art. 3); S.R. 2001/34, art. 2(a)

F122Figure in s. 48BB(6) substituted (3.1.2012 with retrospective effect in accordance with Sch. 3 para. 5(2)-(5) to the amending Act) by Pensions (No. 2) Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 (c. 13), s. 118(1), Sch. 3 para. 9(3)(a) (with s. 73); S.R. 2011/441, art. 2(c)(xi)

F124Words in s. 48BB(7) substituted (retrospectively) by virtue of 2000 c. 4 (N.I.), s. 35(1)(a)(2)(b)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C12S. 48BB modified (6.10.2002) by S.R. 2001/441, art. 2

C13S. 48BB(1)(3) modified (6.4.2016) in accordance with Pensions Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 (c. 5 (N.I.)), ss. 8(1)(e), 9, 53(3), Sch. 5 (with s. 8(9)(b))

[F12648C Category B retirement pension: general.N.I.

(1)Subject to the provisions of this Act, a person’s entitlement to a Category B retirement pension shall begin on the day on which the conditions of entitlement become satisfied and shall continue for life.

(2)In any case where—

(a)a person would, apart from section 43(1) above, be entitled both to a Category A and to a Category B retirement pension, and

(b)section 47(1) above would apply for the increase of the Category A retirement pension,

section 47(1) above shall be taken as applying also for the increase of the Category B retirement pension, subject to reduction or extinguishment of the increase by the application of section 47(2) above or section 42(5) of the Pensions Act.

(3)In the case of a pensioner whose spouse died on or before [F1275th October 2002]], [F128section] 48B(2)(b) above shall have effect with the omission of the words “half of”.

(4)In the application of the provisions of section 44 to [F12945B] above [F130and [F131Schedules 4A and 4B] to this Act] by virtue of sections F132... [F13348B(2) or 48BB(5)] above, references in those provisions to the pensioner shall be taken as references to the spouse [F134or civil partner].

Textual Amendments

F126Ss. 48A-48C substituted for ss. 49, 50 (16.12.1995 subject to Sch. 2 of the amending S.I.) by S.I. 1995/3213 (N.I. 22), arts. 1(3), 123, Sch. 2 Pt. II para. 3(1)

F127Words in s. 48C(3) substituted (retrospectively) by virtue of 2000 c. 4 (N.I.), s. 35(1)(a)(2)(b)

F130Words in s. 48C(4) inserted (8.1.2001, 1.2.2001 for specified purposes and 6.4.2002 otherwise) by 2000 c. 4 (N.I.), s. 33(12); S.R. 2000/358, art. 2(e), Sch. Pt. IV (as amended by S.R. 2000/374, art. 3); S.R. 2001/34, art. 2(a)

F133Words in s. 48C(4) substituted (24.4.2000 for specified purposes and 9.4.2001 otherwise) by S.I. 1999/3147 (N.I. 11), art. 67, Sch. 8 para. 6; S.R. 2000/133, art. 2(3)(a), Sch. Pt. I

F126X149. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F126X250. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F13651Category B retirement pension for widowers and surviving civil partners who attained pensionable age before 6 April 2010N.I.

(1)A [F137person] (the pensioner) whose [F138spouse] died while they were married is entitled to a Category B retirement pension if—

(a)they were both over pensionable age at the time of the death,

(b)the pensioner attained pensionable age before 6 April 2010, and

(c)the [F138spouse] satisfied the relevant contribution condition.

(2)But subsection (1) does not confer a right to a Category B retirement pension on [F139—

(a)a woman whose husband has died, or

(b)]a man whose wife died before 6 April 1979.

(3)In subsection (1)(c) “the relevant contribution condition” means—

(a)in a case where the spouse attained pensionable age before 6 April 2010, the conditions in paragraph 5 of Schedule 3, and

(b)in a case where the spouse attained pensionable age on or after 6 April 2010, the condition in paragraph 5A of Schedule 3.

(4)A person (“the pensioner”) whose civil partner died while they were civil partners of each other is entitled to a Category B retirement pension if—

(a)they were both over pensionable age at the time of the death,

(b)the pensioner attained pensionable age before 6 April 2010, and

(c)the deceased civil partner satisfied the relevant contribution condition.

(5)In subsection (4)(c) “the relevant contribution condition” means—

(a)in a case where the deceased civil partner attained pensionable age before 6 April 2010, the conditions in paragraph 5 of Schedule 3, and

(b)in a case where the deceased civil partner attained pensionable age on or after 6 April 2010, the condition in paragraph 5A of Schedule 3.

(6)The weekly rate of a person's Category B retirement pension under this section is to be determined in accordance with sections 44 to 45AA and [F140Schedules 4A and 4B] as they apply in the case of a Category A retirement pension taking references in those sections to the pensioner as references to the spouse or deceased civil partner.

(7)But in the case of—

(a)a man whose wife dies after 5 October 2002,

[F141(aa)a surviving party to a marriage of a same sex couple,] or

(b)a surviving civil partner,

any amount of additional pension falling to be calculated under subsection (6) is to be halved.

(8)For the purposes of any provision of this Act as it applies in relation to this section, no account is to be taken of any earnings factors of the spouse or deceased civil partner for the tax year beginning with 6 April 2016 or any later tax year.

(9)Subject to the provisions of this Act, a person becomes entitled to a Category B retirement pension under this section on the day on which the conditions of entitlement become satisfied and the entitlement continues throughout the person's life.

[F142(10)Subsection (11) applies in the case of a pensioner whose spouse or civil partner—

(a)attained pensionable age on or after 6 April 2016, and

(b)died after attaining pensionable age.

(11)Where this subsection applies, the amount determined in accordance with this section as the weekly rate of the additional pension payable to the pensioner shall be increased by such percentage as equals the overall percentage by which, had the pension been in payment as from the date when the spouse or civil partner reached pensionable age until the spouse’s or civil partner’s death, that weekly rate would have increased during that period by virtue of orders under section 132 of the Administration Act (annual up-rating of benefits).]

[F143(12)Section 51ZA contains special rules for cases involving changes in gender.]]

Textual Amendments

[F14451ZA.Special provision for married person whose spouse changed genderN.I.

(1)Section 48A(2A) does not prevent a woman from being entitled to a Category B retirement pension under section 48 in a case where—

(a)her spouse is a woman by virtue of a full gender recognition certificate having been issued under the Gender Recognition Act 2004, and

(b)the marriage subsisted before the time when that certificate was issued.

(2)Section 48AA(2A) does not prevent a woman from being entitled to a Category B retirement pension under section 48AA in a case where—

(a)her former spouse was, at the time the marriage was dissolved, a woman by virtue of a full gender recognition certificate having been issued under the Gender Recognition Act 2004, and

(b)the marriage subsisted before the time when that certificate was issued.

(3)Section 48B(1ZAA) does not prevent a woman being entitled to a Category B retirement pension under section 48B in a case where—

(a)her dead spouse was, at the time of death, a woman by virtue of a full gender recognition certificate having been issued under the Gender Recognition Act 2004, and

(b)the marriage subsisted before the time when that certificate was issued,

and in such a case the reference in section 48B(1ZB)(a)(ii) to the spouse having attained pensionable age before 6 April 2010 is to be read as a reference to the spouse having been born before 6 April 1945.

(4)Section 51(1) does not confer a right to a Category B retirement pension on a woman if—

(a)her dead spouse was, at the time of death, a woman by virtue of a full gender recognition certificate having been issued under the Gender Recognition Act 2004, and

(b)the marriage subsisted before the time when that certificate was issued.]

Textual Amendments

[F14551A Special provision for married people.N.I.

(1)This section has effect where, apart from section 43(1) above, a married person [F146or civil partner] would be entitled both—

(a)to a Category A retirement pension, and

(b)to a Category B retirement pension by virtue of the contributions of the other party to the marriage [F147or civil partnership].

(2)If by reason of a deficiency of contributions the basic pension in the Category A retirement pension falls short of the weekly rate specified in Schedule 4, Part I, paragraph 5, that basic pension shall be increased by the lesser of—

(a)the amount of the shortfall, or

(b)the amount of the weekly rate of the Category B retirement pension.

(3)This section does not apply in any case where both parties to the marriage attained pensionable age before 6th April 1979.]

Textual Amendments

F145S. 51A inserted (16.12.1995 subject to Sch. 2 of the amending S.I.) by S.I. 1995/3213 (N.I. 22), arts. 1(3), 123, Sch. 2 Pt. III para. 18(6)

52 Special provision for surviving spouses.N.I.

(1)This section has effect where, apart from section 43(1) above, a person would be entitled both—

(a)to a Category A retirement pension; and

[F148(b)to a Category B retirement pension by virtue of the contributions of a spouse [F149or civil partner] who has died.]

(2)If by reason of a deficiency of contributions the basic pension in the Category A retirement pension falls short of the full amount, that basic pension shall be increased by the lesser of—

(a)the amount of the shortfall, or

(b)the amount of the basic pension in the rate of the Category B retirement pension,

“full amount”meaning for this purpose the sum specified in section 44(4) above as the weekly rate of the basic pension in a Category A retirement pension.

(3)If the additional pension in the Category A retirement pension falls short of the [F150maximum amount specified in regulations], that additional pension shall be increased by the lesser of—

(a)the amount of the shortfall, or

(b)the amount of the additional pension in the Category B retirement pension.

[F151(3A)In subsection (3) the references to additional pension in a Category A or Category B retirement pension do not include any amount of additional pension attributable to units of additional pension.

(3B)If an amount of additional pension in the Category B retirement pension is attributable to units of additional pension, the additional pension in the Category A retirement pension is increased by that amount (in addition to any increase under subsection (3)).]

(4)This section does not apply in any case where the death of the wife or husband, as the case may be, occurred before 6th April 1979 and the surviving spouse had attained pensionable age before that date.

Textual Amendments

F148S. 52(1)(b) substituted (16.12.1995 subject to Sch. 2 of the amending S.I.) by S.I. 1995/3213 (N.I. 22), arts. 1(3), 123, Sch. 2 Pt. III para. 18(7)

F15253. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .N.I.

Textual Amendments

F152S. 53 repealed (16.12.1995 subject to Sch. 2 of the amending S.I.) by virtue of S.I. 1995/3213 (N.I. 22), arts. 1(3), 123, 168, Sch. 2 Pt. III para. 18(6), Sch. 5 Pt. II

54 Category A and Category B retirement pensions: supplemental provisions.N.I.

(1)Regulations may provide that in the case of a person of any prescribed description who—

(a)has become entitled to a Category A or Category B retirement pension F153... ; and

(b)elects in such manner and in accordance with such conditions as may be prescribed that the regulations shall apply in his case,

this Part of this Act shall have effect as if that person had not become entitled to such a retirement pension [F154or to a shared additional pension].

(2)Regulations under subsection (1) above may make such modifications of the provisions of this Part of this Act, or of those of [F155Chapter II of Part II of the Social Security (Northern Ireland) Order 1998] as those provisions apply in a case where a person makes an election under the regulations, as may appear to the Department necessary or expedient.

F156(3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F157(4). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F157S. 54(4) repealed (16.12.1995 subject to Sch. 2 of the amending S.I.) by virtue of S.I. 1995/3213 (N.I. 22), arts. 1(3), 131(2), 168, Sch. 5 Pt. II

[F15855Pension increase or lump sum where entitlement to retirement pension is deferredN.I.

(1)Where a person's entitlement to a Category A or Category B retirement pension is deferred, Schedule 5 to this Act has effect.

(2)In that Schedule—

  • paragraph A1 makes provision enabling an election to be made where the pensioner's entitlement is deferred

  • paragraphs 1 to 3 make provision about increasing pension where the pensioner's entitlement is deferred

  • paragraphs 3A and 3B make provision about lump sum payments where the pensioner's entitlement is deferred

  • paragraph 3C makes provision enabling an election to be made where the pensioner's deceased spouse [F159or civil partner] has deferred entitlement

  • paragraphs 4 to 7 make provision about increasing pension where the pensioner's deceased spouse [F159or civil partner] has deferred entitlement

  • paragraphs 7A and 7B make provision about lump sum payments where the pensioner's deceased spouse [F159or civil partner] has deferred entitlement

  • paragraphs 7C to 9 make supplementary provision.

(3)For the purposes of this Act a person's entitlement to a Category A or Category B retirement pension is deferred if and so long as that person—

[F160(a)does not become entitled to that pension by reason only of not satisfying the conditions of section 1 of the Administration Act (entitlement to benefit dependent on claim), or]

(b)in consequence of an election under section 54(1) above, falls to be treated as not having become entitled to that pension,

and, in relation to any such pension, “period of deferment” shall be construed accordingly.]

Textual Amendments

F158S. 55 substituted (17.2.2005 for specified purposes, 6.4.2005 in so far as not already in force) by The Pensions (Northern Ireland) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/255), arts. 1(4), 273(1)