The additional State Pension was a top-up to the basic State Pension and was replaced by the State Second Pension in 2002

Over half a million people are boosting their State Pension by more than £5,000 annually through inheritance, according to data obtained by a pension provider. A Freedom of Information (FOI) request by pensions mutual Royal London revealed that in the tax year 2023/24, over two million pensioners (approximately 2,027,440) received a payment from an inherited state earnings-related pension scheme (Serps).

This was part of the old State Pension system, which allowed individuals to accumulate entitlement to additional State Pension income. The figures indicate that around 541,760 pensioners were receiving more than £5,000 annually in inherited Serps payments, including 17,460 who received over £10,000.

If a person’s spouse or civil partner passes away, they may be eligible to inherit part of their additional State Pension. This will be paid on top of the surviving spouse’s State Pension when they reach the official retirement age, currently 66.

Surviving spouses and civil partners can potentially inherit up to an annual maximum of approximately £11,356.28 (£218.39 per week) for the 2024/25 tax year. For the 2023/24 tax year, the weekly maximum amount of inherited Serps was slightly lower, at £204.68.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) released this data, which was taken from its quarterly statistical inquiry. According to the figures obtained by Royal London, the average annual inherited Serps payment for 2023/24 was £3,377, reports the Daily Record.

Thanks to the inherited pension boost, some lucky individuals are raking in over £20,000 a year from an enhanced State Pension. The simpler ‘New State Pension‘ was rolled out in April 2016.

Royal London’s consumer finance specialist, Sarah Pennells, remarked: “This data shows how much of a difference inheriting a Serps pension from your husband, wife or civil partner can make. The worry is that, while more than two million people are claiming inherited Serps, others could be missing out.

“Understanding the rules is key to boosting your retirement income.”

Pennells further noted: “As we continue to adapt to the new system introduced in 2016, which focuses on individual entitlements, understanding the legacy of Serps and its relevance for thousands of retirees remains crucial.”

For those unsure about their rights to an inherited Serps pension, Royal London advises getting in touch with the Pension Service to find out exactly what you’re due – detailed guidance can be found on GOV.UK here.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent a high-powered delegation to Vatican City to attend the burial of His Holiness, Pope Francis, on Saturday, April 26.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio is at the head of the five-member delegation.

Other members of the delegation are the Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu; Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria; Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, Archbishop Matthew Hassan Kukah; and Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Archbishop Ignatius Ayua Kaigama.

Air Peace says it will resume flight operations on Friday following the suspension of strike by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMeT, workers.

This was contained in a statement by the airline’s Head of Corporate Communications, Ejike Ndiulo, on Thursday night in Lagos.

Ndiulo expressed Air Peace’s gratitude to its customers and the general public  for patience, understanding and  support throughout the period of the strike.

”Your resilience and trust in our brand mean the world to us.

“We commend the active and decisive intervention of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo (SAN), whose leadership and commitment were pivotal in resolving the impasse and restoring normalcy within the aviation industry,” Ndiulo said.

He noted the minister’s swift engagement with aviation stakeholders, his transparent approach and his dedication to the stability and progress of the aviation sector.

Head of Corporate Communications further stated that Keyamo’s efforts not only facilitated timely resolution of the industrial dispute but also underscored his broader vision for a safer, more efficient and investor-friendly Nigerian aviation industry.

Ndiulo said Air Peace was committed to providing safe, reliable and world-class services.

Ekwutosblog reports that NiMeT workers on Thursday suspended the strike which began on April 22 after the minister’s intervention.

The workers downed tools in protest of alleged poor working conditions, including non-implementation of the 2019 Consequential Adjustment to the National Minimum Wage (affecting at least 30  staff).

They are also demanding a 25/35 per cent salary increase, 40 per cent hardship/peculiar allowance, and  annual staff trainings.

The minister had promised to find lasting solutions to the problems.