Pensions

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Will I still get my state pension?

Yes. The Scottish Government has guaranteed to continue to pay every state pension after independence including all the rights you have built up to enhanced pensions such as through Serps.

The Department for Work & Pensions has confirmed that UK pensions will continue to be paid in full, even if Scotland becomes independent.

Will my state pension be as much as it is now?

Yes, in fact it will be better. The Scottish Government have guaranteed a “triple lock” on state pensions after independence – something Westminster have only put in place until next year’s General Election. This triple lock means the state pension after a Yes vote will rise in line with prices and earnings, or by 2.5%, whichever is highest.

What about this new single tier pension being offered by Westminster? Will we get that after independence?

Yes. The Scottish Government will pay a single tier pension of £160 a week from 2016 – that’s £1.10 a week higher than is being offered by Westminster.

But how can an independent Scotland afford better pensions?

Pensions are more affordable in Scotland because we pay more tax per head than in the rest of the UK. Expenditure on pensions and benefits known as “social protection” have been lower in Scotland in each of the past five years.

For example, social protection in 2012/13 was 15.5% of Scotland’s national wealth, compared to 16% for UK.

Will the state pension age be the same?

It could be lower. The UK government will raise it to 66 by 2020 and then move it to 67 later. The Scottish Government think that is unfair because Scots do not live as long, so would get less pension if we stay with Westminster.

After independence, a Scottish Government will ask pensions experts to look at keeping the retirement age below 67.

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But I am on Savings Credit, will I still get that?

Yes, the Scottish Government will pay savings credit at £18 a week, benefiting 9000 low income pensioners. Westminster plans to abolish Savings Credit after April 2016. So voting No will hurt the poorest.

I have an occupational pension, what happens to that?

Occupational and personal pension rights will stay the same after independence – you have accrued these benefits and are legally entitled to them.

What happens to my NHS / civil service / council pension?

The Scottish Government will meet all public sector pension obligations and all schemes will be fully protected. The Scottish Public Pensions Agency are already administering a lot of public sector pensions here and will take on new responsibilities after independence, and that may create new jobs – a bonus.

What will happen to my Private pension?

The arrangements you have with a private pension company will be unaffected. Your pension will be paid in £s so will have the same value as well.