Directory

Where we refer to phone numbers which begin with 0845, they will be charged at the local rate based on current charges from BT landlines. Charges for calls from mobile phones and other networks may be different.

For basic guidance on the different types of pension, and information about state pensions, you can contact Citizens Advice (details are in your local phone book). You can also visit their website at www.citizensadvice.org.uk.

For information about Carer’s Allowance, you can contact the Carer’s Allowance Unit on 01253 856 123. If you have speech or hearing difficulties, a textphone service is available on 01772 899 489. Or, contact the freephone Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 88 22 00. If you have speech or hearing difficulties, the textphone number is 0800 24 33 55.

If you are 60 or over, you can apply for Pension Credit by calling our freephone line on 0800 99 1234. The line is open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays. If you have speech or hearing difficulties, the textphone number is 0800 169 0133.

To change the person who is claiming Child Benefit, contact the Child Benefit Office by calling 0845 302 1444 from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. If you have speech or hearing difficulties, a textphone service is available on 0845 302 1474. You will need to give your full name and your Child Benefit reference number. Or, you can write to the Child Benefit Office at the Inland Revenue, PO Box 1, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE88 1AA. You can also email us at You can also visit their website at www.citizensadvice.org.uk.

Other publications you may find useful

I want to apply for a Financial Order (D190)
If you live in England or Wales, you can get this guide from your county court (details are in your local phone book) or from the Court Service website at www.courtservice.gov.uk

Widowed? (GL14)
You can get this leaflet from your nearest social security office or Jobcentre (details are in your phone book).

Caring for someone? (SD4)
You can get this leaflet from your nearest social security office or Jobcentre (details are in your phone book).

Going abroad and social security benefits (GL29) and Coming from abroad and social security benefits (GL28)
You can get these leaflets from your nearest social security office or Jobcentre (details are in your phone book). Or, you can visit The Pension Service website at www.thepensionservice.gov.uk

A guide to State Pensions (NP46)
This guide gives you more information about state pensions. You can get this guide from your nearest social security office, pension centre or Jobcentre (details are in your phone book) or by calling us ( click here for contact details). Or, you can see this leaflet on the resource centre on The Pension Service website at www.thepensionservice.gov.uk

Inheritance of SERPS – Important information for married people (SERPSL1)
You can get this leaflet from your nearest social security office, pension centre or Jobcentre (details are in your phone book), or by calling the Inherited SERPS enquiry line on 0845 600 6116. If you have speech or hearing difficulties, a textphone service is available on 0845 602 1913. Lines are open from 8am to 7pm Monday to Friday and from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays. Or, you can see this leaflet on the resource centre of The Pension Service website at www.thepensionservice.gov.uk You can read more about inheriting SERPS on The Pension Service website at www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/serps

Pensioners’ guide (PG1)
This guide tells you about the range of government help and advice available to pensioners. You can get a copy by calling 0845 6 065 065 from 7am to 11pm every day. If you have speech or hearing difficulties, a textphone service is available on 0845 606 4064. Or, you can visit the website at www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/retired

Pension Credit – Pick it up. It’s yours (PC1L)
This leaflet gives you more information about Pension Credit to help you decide whether you might qualify, how much you could get and how to apply. You can get this leaflet by calling 0845 6 065 065. If you have speech or hearing difficulties, a textphone service is available on 0845 606 4064. The leaflet is also available on the resource centre of our website at www.thepensionservice.gov.uk

Other guides in this series

A guide to your pension options (PM1)
This gives a general summary of the pensions system and suggests points you should think about.

State pensions – Your guide (PM2)
This guide explains whether you are likely to get a State Pension and how we work them out. It includes more details about the State Second Pension, including examples of how it can help people in different circumstances.

Occupational pensions – Your guide (PM3)
You will find this guide helpful if you are working for an employer who runs a pension scheme and you are a member of the scheme or are thinking of joining.

Personal pensions – Your guide (PM4)
If you are thinking about a personal pension, this guide tells you the sort of questions you should be asking and how you can decide if a personal pension is best for you.

Pensions for the self-employed – Your guide (PM5)
If you are self-employed, you have fewer options but you still have important decisions to make. This guide tells you how you can decide what will be best for you.

Pensions for women – Your guide (PM6)
As a woman, the pattern of your working life may be different from a man’s. For example, you may be more likely to have a career break to raise a family. This guide gives you an idea of the options available, and what you should think about when you plan your pension.

Contracted-out pensions – Your guide (PM7)
This guide gives you information about contracting out of (leaving) the State Second Pension.

Stakeholder pensions – Your guide (PM8)
This guide tells you what you need to think about before taking out a stakeholder pension. It will help you decide whether this kind of pension is best for you.

State pensions for carers and parents – Your guide (PM9)
If you have given up work and aren’t earning very much because you are caring for someone, this guide may help you. It explains what to do to make sure you get as much State Pension as you can in the future.

To order copies of any of the guides in this series, you can call us on 0845 7 31 32 33. Calls are charged at local rates and the line is open 24 hours a day. If you have speech or hearing difficulties, a textphone service is available on 0845 604 0210. Or, you can write to us for any of these guides at Pension Guide, Freepost, NAT 5951, Ashby de la Zouch LE55 7QP (you don’t need a stamp).

You can also see these guides on our website at www.pensionguide.gov.uk

All guides are available in Welsh, on audiotape and in Braille.

For more copies of this leaflet, or for a Welsh, audiotape or Braille version, you can phone 0845 7 31 32 33. You can also access this leaflet on the internet at www.pensionguide.gov.uk
ISBN: 1-85197-998-0

We will regularly update this guide. It gives general guidance only and should not be treated as a complete statement of the law.

© Crown copyright
Produced by The Pension Service
Printed in the UK
April 2004
PM2

General enquiries 0845 60 60 265
(textphone users call 0845 60 60 285)
www.pensionguide.gov.uk