Pension categories
There are four categories of state pension provided under the Contributions and Benefits Act:
Category A
Category B
Category C (there are no remaining beneficiaries in Northern Ireland)
Category D.
A Category A pension is contributory. It consists of two parts, either or both of which may be payable:
basic state pension - dependent upon the number of qualifying years a person has in their working life;
additional state pension (also referred to as state second pension) - dependent upon earnings, or deemed earnings, in a person’s working life since April 1978.
A Category B pension is also contributory. Like a Category A pension, it can consist of either a basic state pension or an additional state pension, or both. It is payable by virtue of a spouse’s or civil partner’s qualifying years and earnings.
A Category D pension is non-contributory. It is payable when a person:
reaches age 80; and
satisfies certain residence conditions; and either
is not entitled to another category of state pension; or
is entitled to one at a lower rate than the Category D rate.
