Written question asked by Tom Cox (Labour) on Friday, 12 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 17 November 2004. It was answered by Malcolm Wicks (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 November 2004 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Dept for Work and Pensions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the (a) lowest and (b) highest weekly levels paid of the state retirement pension are; and if he will make a statement. - Inc figures.

Answer: Tom Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the (a) lowest and (b) highest weekly levels paid of the state retirement pension are; and if he will make a statement. [198926] Malcolm Wicks: The state pension comprises four components: basic state pension; additional state pension; graduated retirement benefit and non- contributory retirement pension. The maximum amount of the basic state pension payable in 2004-05 where the contribution conditions are fully satisfied is £79.60 per week or £47.65 per week in the case of a married woman whose entitlement is derived from her husband's contribution record. The comparable minimum amounts are £19.90 and £11.91. The maximum amount of additional state pension payable in 2004-05 is £140.44 per week. There is no de-minimis. The maximum amount of graduated retirement benefit payable in 2004-05 is £8.28 per week in the case of a man and £6.93 in the case of a woman. The minimum amount payable is £0.10p per week. A non-contributory state pension which is currently £47.65 per week is payable to those who satisfy the entitlement conditions. Any person entitled to a state pension from the age of 80 also receives an age addition of 0.25p per week.

Secondary information