EIM76003 | Social security benefits: rates of social security benefits payable

Forms P242 show the standard basic rates of the main taxable benefits for each tax year. Only use these forms as a guide because often a different amount is payable, as shown below:

• the new State Pension was introduced on 6 April 2016, for people reaching State Pension age from that date. People may receive more or less than the full amount, depending on their National Insurance contributions record. Transitional rules apply for those people who paid or were credited with National Insurance contributions under the old system, up to 5 April 2016

• many retirement pensioners who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016 get more than the basic State Pension - this may be because of the earnings-related part of the pension or because the pensioner earned extra pension by deferring the claim for their pension beyond State Pension age (see EIM75700)

• the full standard basic rate of pension or benefit may not be payable if the individual has only partially satisfied the contribution conditions

• if a claimant, or a dependant for whom he or she receives benefit, goes into hospital, the amount of benefit payable may be reduced (see EIM76006)

• where someone is entitled to more than one social security benefit, normally both amounts will not be payable in full - EIM76007 has details about overlapping benefits