Number of pensioner households by total annual pension income, 2006/07
Pensions provide only modest levels of annual income for many pensioner households. In 2006/07, 61 per cent of single pensioner households had total pension income (state pensions and related benefits, plus private pension income) of less than £10,000, while 45 per cent of pensioner couple households had less than £15,000.
Most pensioner households receive state pensions and related benefits (6.3 million in 2006/07), while around two thirds of pensioner households receive private pension income (4.3 million in 2006/07). In 2006/07, 39 per cent of pensioner couples, 58 per cent of single men pensioners and 64 per cent of single women pensioners with private pensions had annual private pension income of less than £5,000.
In 2006/07, mean annual private pension income of pensioner couples was £11,059, while for single men it was £6,812 and for single women £5,519. Mean annual income from state pensions and related benefits for pensioner couples was £10,191, compared with £6,911 for single men and £6,700 for single women.
Note: This chapter was originally published on 14 April 2008, presenting new ONS analysis of data on pension income from the 2005/06 Family Resources Survey. It was withdrawn in May when a significant error was found. The error has now been corrected.
The 2005/06 results have been re-calulated, the text re-written and the analysis quality assured. New results are presented for 2006/07. The figures are considerably higher than those released on 14 April, but the overall conclusion remains the same.
Note: For the purpose of this analysis, pensioner households comprise single pensioner households made up of one adult over state pension age and pensioner couple households made up of two adults living together, both over state pension age. They do not include pensioners living in households with other people.
printer-friendly
Pension Trends Home