clueless question about pensions

[SalBySea]

can you claim a state pension AND a private pension AND an occupational pension? (providing you have enough qualifying years in them all?)

and what are pension credits?

Yes, I will have my teachers pension and a state pension if they still exist then.

Pension credits I would imagine are too boost low incomes for pensioners.

I am still reeling from the shock at how much damage I have done to my pension by being at home for 5 years. I can add this to the long list of reasons for why we cannot have another child.

yes the state pension is accrued by working (NI contributions), or benefits such as JSA or if SAHM , then Child benefit. Occupational pension, obviously through your work. depends on your employer as to what type, final salary or money purchase and whetehr contributory or not and you can also have your own private pension if you wish to pay into one

erm yes if you have been paying into them. but i believe you cannot pay into private and have occupational pension at the same time, unless you have an avc set up (additional voluntary contribution)

betadad will hop on soon and give you full advice..

yes you can have a state pension a personal pension and an occupational pension when you have retired. Many people do.
As twins said pension credits are to boost those on low incomes/pensions in retirement.
You can pay into a personal pension and an occupational pension at the same time if you wish, though it rarely makes sense as usually the occupational scheme offers better value for the money.

I think that is right ickle as I know lots of teachers who have set up avcs and regretted it beacuse as BigGIt says occupational pensions ( especially public sector ones) are very good.