The number of years of work required to qualify for a full state pension in Northern Ireland is set to fall, it was announced today.
From April 6th, men and women will need 30 years of national insurance contributions, Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie said. That compares with the current 44 years for men and 39 for women.
The state pension age for women will gradually rise from 60 to 65 between now and 2020.
“Changes are being introduced to the state pension … to better reflect how we live and work today, including the fact that people will qualify for a full pension with fewer years on national insurance contributions,” the SDLP leader said.
“The changes will make sure that the state pension is fairer, more accessible and more widely available.”
By 2025, more than 90 per cent of women are expected to get a full state pension.
A new carers’ credit will be introduced to help parents and carers who have taken time out of their career to build up qualifying years while still meeting their caring responsibilities.