Women turning to pension helpline

The Pensions Advisory Service chief executive, Malcolm McLean

A helpline for advice on women's pensions is almost certain to continue following a barrage of calls, the Pensions Advisory Service (TPAS) says.

TPAS originally set up the hotline for six weeks from 4 February.

But more than 3,000 calls in the first week, including 1,000 on the opening day, means an extension is 90% likely.

Women's retirement options can be more complex than men's owing to changing circumstances and employment conditions during their working lives.

The helpline number for women is 0845 600 0806. Lines are open Monday to Friday from 0900 until 1700 GMT.

The standard TPAS helpline is 0845 601 2923 at the same times.

TPAS is an independent voluntary organisation, which receives funding from the Department for Work and Pensions.

Imminent changes

Research for TPAS suggests lower lifetime pay and caring responsibilities have often prevented women from building up adequate pension provisions in their own right.

There are very important factors for women to take into account now Malcolm McLean, TPAS chief executive Top 20 pensions questions

Significant changes to the qualifying conditions for the state pension - such as moving the state pension age - are being introduced from April 2010.

Many callers were unaware or unsure of the changes, but needed to act now to get the best provision, according to TPAS chief executive Malcolm McLean.

He said there had been a "phenomenal response" after the helpline was set up.

"If it carries on at the present rate, it is very likely - 90% certain - that we will extend it," he said.

"Many women are unaware of the major changes in the system."

Marriage guidance

One of the vagaries of the pensions rules prompted one caller to TPAS to postpone her wedding for a week.

The woman was divorced and due to remarry just a few days before she was due to retire.

The rules state that for the purpose of claiming a state pension she could have her former spouse's record of national insurance contributions substituted for her own - but only if she remarried after she reached the state pension age.

After receiving advice, she postponed the ceremony for a week so she could keep the pension based on her ex-husband's record.