Question 1

Can divorced women use their ex-husband's NI record for the state pension?

Accepted Answer

It depends on when you divorced and which state pension system applies to you. Under the old basic state pension (for women who reached state pension age before 6 April 2016), divorced women could use an ex-husband's NI record to increase their basic state pension up to the full basic amount. Under the new state pension (for women reaching state pension age on or after 6 April 2016), the rules are more limited — your own NI record is primary, and the ability to use an ex-spouse's record is very restricted.

Question 2

What happens to the state pension after divorce under the new rules?

Accepted Answer

Under the new state pension (from April 2016), your state pension is based almost entirely on your own NI record. Divorce does not automatically entitle you to your ex-spouse's state pension. However, if you were contracted out of the additional state pension (SERPS/S2P) during the marriage, a Pension Sharing Order from the divorce court may have allocated some of those rights to you. Your own qualifying NI years remain the main determinant of your state pension.

Question 3

Can I inherit my ex-husband's state pension if he dies?

Accepted Answer

Under the new state pension, inheritance from an ex-spouse is generally not possible once you have divorced and both parties have remarried or formed new civil partnerships. Some limited inheritance may apply to Additional State Pension (SERPS/S2P) built up before April 2016, depending on the specific divorce settlement. Widows who have not remarried may have different rights — contact the Pension Service for your specific situation.

Question 4

Should divorce settlements include pension sharing?

Accepted Answer

Pensions are often the largest asset in a marriage after the family home, yet they are frequently overlooked in divorce settlements. A Pension Sharing Order allows private and workplace pension assets to be split. State pension cannot be shared in the same way, but private and workplace pensions can. Always seek legal and financial advice to ensure pension assets are properly considered in any divorce settlement.

Question 5

What if I took time off work to raise children during the marriage?

Accepted Answer

If you received Child Benefit for children under 12, you will have received NI credits for those years — protecting your state pension record during the career break. Check your NI record at gov.uk/check-state-pension to verify these credits were applied. If they are missing, contact HMRC to have them added. You may also be able to fill any remaining gaps with voluntary contributions.

Question 6

How can divorced women increase their state pension?

Accepted Answer

The most effective options are: (1) Fill NI gaps with voluntary contributions — each gap costs £956.80 and adds £358.50/year for life. (2) If still working, continue accumulating qualifying NI years. (3) Check you received all NI credits you were entitled to during the marriage (child benefit, carer's allowance). (4) Defer claiming past state pension age if you do not need the income immediately — each year of deferral adds 5.78% permanently.

Your Situation	Can You Use Ex's NI Record?	What You Can Get
Reached SPA before 6 April 2016 (old system)	✅ Yes — up to full basic pension	Up to £169.50/week (old basic rate 2026/27)
Reached SPA on/after 6 April 2016 (new system)	❌ Very limited	Based mainly on your own NI record — up to £241.30/week
Divorce settlement included Pension Sharing Order	N/A — private/workplace pensions split	Depends on order — does not affect state pension directly
Career break: received Child Benefit for children under 12	N/A	NI credits for each year — added to your own record ✅

Priority	Action	Potential Benefit
1	Check NI record at gov.uk — confirm all Child Benefit credits are recorded	Each missing credit year = £358.50/year lost pension
2	Identify fillable NI gaps from marriage years	£956.80/gap → +£358.50/year for life
3	Check if old state pension rules apply to you (SPA before April 2016)	May be able to use ex-husband's NI record
4	Confirm any Pension Sharing Orders from divorce covered private pensions	Private pension = often largest asset besides home
5	Consider deferring state pension if still working	+5.78% per year deferred, permanently

State Pension for Divorced Women UK 2026

Old vs New State Pension: Key Difference for Divorced Women

Action Plan: Maximise Your State Pension After Divorce

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