Pensions - Articles - Only 46% of women in retirement receive full state pension

 Vince Smith-Hughes, Prudential’s retirement expert, said:

 “Recent legislative changes have made the pension system fairer for women. However, many women who are over the age of 55 will fail to qualify for the full Basic State Pension as many will have had career breaks to raise families.

 “Taking the full picture of total pension provision into account, our research shows that the pension ‘gender gap’ is 13 per cent wider this year than it was in 2012. The average woman retiring this year expects an income which is £6,500 less than the average man.

 “Topping up National Insurance contributions, paying into company pension schemes where possible and consulting a financial adviser about their retirement provision, will all help to ensure a more comfortable retirement.”