THE government is urging women close to retirement age to explore their state pension options now. There are 3,532 women between 55 and 59 in Tower Hamlets approaching State Pension age. The Department for Work and Pensions is calling on them to find out

THE government is urging women close to retirement age to explore their state pension options now.

There are 3,532 women between 55 and 59 in Tower Hamlets approaching State Pension age. The Department for Work and Pensions is calling on them to find out about their State Pension to see if they are missing out on more money in retirement.

Traditionally many women have missed out on state pension money because of taking time out to have kids and care for elderly relatives. From April 2010, both men and women will only need 30 years of National Insurance contributions to get a full basic pension, rather than the current 44 for men and 39 for women.

Visit www.direct.gov.uk/pensions for more information.