Some people may be eligible for an extra state pension or could start their payments before reaching UK state pension age
People who lived or worked abroad may have forgotten pensions waiting for them(Image: GETTY)
Certain people could be eligible for an extra state pension before they hit the UK’s state pension age by claiming an overseas pension. The Department for Work and Pensions has urged Brits who lived or worked in any of 32 countries to take action.
This could make them eligible for a state pension from the country they lived or worked in, if they meet certain criteria. People who may be eligible are urged to contact the DWP as they can pass on your information to the relevant foreign authorities who will decide if you are entitled to additional state pensions.
Government guidance notes: “You may be able to claim an overseas state pension before you’re UK State Pension age. Your eligibility will depend on that country’s rules.
“If you lived or worked in a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland, you can check the European Commission website to find out the pension age for the country you lived or worked in (and) how long you need to have lived or worked in the country to be eligible.”
Some overseas state pensions are available earlier than in the UK(Image: GETTY)
This may apply to you if you lived in any of these countries:
DenmarkFinlandIcelandLiechtensteinNetherlandsNorwaySweden
It may also apply to you if you worked in any of these countries:
AustriaBelgiumBulgariaCroatiaCyprusCzech RepublicEstoniaFranceGermanyGibraltarGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyLatviaLithuaniaLuxembourgMaltaPolandPortugalRomaniaSlovakiaSloveniaSpainSwitzerland
People who think they may be eligible in the listed countries are advised to contact the DWP(Image: GETTY)
Each of these countries will have different requirements and rules around who is eligible for a state pension. For example, according to the European Commission website, every person who has worked in Belgium has a right to a retirement pension.
However, the amount depends on how long you worked, your pay and family circumstances. This pension can be taken as early as 60 if certain conditions are met.
Similarly, everyone who has worked or lived in Sweden could potentially receive a public pension based on the income they paid tax on.
If you have lived or worked in one of the listed countries, you’ll need to inform the DWP and make a claim for a foreign pension by completing a form on the Gov.uk website and send it to the UK’s International Pension Centre.
If you lived or worked in a different country not listed, you may need to apply to their pension scheme directly. More information can be found on the Gov.uk website.