The basic state pension is paid to women at 60 and men at 65, who fulfil National Insurance (NI) contribution requirements.

From 6 April 2020, the state pension age for both men and women will be 65.

The government will introduce the change gradually from age 60 to 65 for women over a 10-year period from 2010 to 2020

How much is it worth?

The full weekly rates are (year to April 2003):

• Single person �75.50
• Wife on husband's contributions �45.20
• Married couple on husband's contributions �120.70
• Married couple if both paid full contributions �151.00

Will I get the full basic state pension?

Not necessarily.

What you get will depend on your National Insurance (NI) contributions - and the rules are stringent.

Your pension depends on how long you have worked for and the number of "qualifying years" you have.

A woman with a working life of 44 years will need 39 qualifying years for a full pension and a man with a working life of 49 years will need 44 qualifying years.

However, the contribution record of people who have been unable to work due to unemployment, sickness or caring responsibilities, may be protected by credits or "home responsibilities protection".

What happens if I have not made enough contributions?

If you have not paid sufficient contributions you may get a partial pension or you may not receive a pension at all.

If you are not entitled to a full Basic Pension you may receive a reduced amount.

But if you retire with less than 25% of the qualifying years for a full pension, you won't get anything at all.

People aged 80 and over receive a non-contributory pension, at 60% of the basic state pension as long as they fulfil other requirements, such as residency rules.

Age Concern's factsheet on the state pension has a useful table, which can help you work out entitlement (see contact list link below).

Isn't the state pension age changing for women?

Legislation to equalise the pension age at 65 for both men and women has been passed.

The change will be phased in between 2010 and 2020 and will not affect anyone born before 6 April 1950.

If you are a woman and born between 6 April 1950 and 5 April 1955, your state pension age will fall somewhere between 60 and 65.

The government's pensionguide.gov.uk (see link below) has details on the age and date when you will be able to receive the state pension.

Where can I get further information?