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<p>The way that the National Insurance system and the State Pension systems interact
means that it would not be possible align payments in the way the question suggests.
The amount of State Pension paid to individuals is dependent on their National Insurance
contributions. State Pensions are paid in accordance with the rules in place at the
point the person reaches State Pension age. This means that outcomes are calculated
on an individual basis and reflect a person’s National Insurance history throughout
their careers, in line with the contributory principle.</p><p> </p><p>The latest figures
(August 2022) for new State Pension show that on average, women receiving the new
State Pension receive £18.40 per week more than women under the pre 2016 system. It
also shows that the gap between women and men has narrowed from £26.48 pw to £5.32
pw. This puts women at receiving 85% of the rate received by men under the pre 2016
system and 97% under the new State Pension. The table below shows the average amounts
in payment in August 2022. The design of the new State Pension means that the gap
between men and women’s outcomes is likely to continue to diminish, with outcomes
being equalised in the future.</p><p> </p><p>Average State Pension amounts in payment
(August 2022).</p><table><tbody><tr><td><p><strong> </strong></p></td><td><p><strong>Male</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>Female</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>Total</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Pre-2016
State Pension </strong>(basic State Pension, plus Additional Pension) <br> (for those
reaching State Pension age before 6.4.16)</p></td><td><p>£ 178.60</p></td><td><p>£
152.12</p></td><td><p>£ 163.17</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>New State Pension </strong>
(for those reaching State Pension age from 6.4.16 onwards)</p></td><td><p>£ 175.84</p></td><td><p>£
170.52</p></td><td><p>£ 173.71</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p>For people
with lower amounts, Pension Credit provides a safety net for those most in need. Pension
Credit provides a top up for people of State Pension age with a weekly income below
£182.60 (for single people) or £278.70 (for couples). Information about Pension Credit
is available from the Gov.uk website.</p>
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