Summary and Background State Pensions Glossary Pension categories
6.There are four categories of state pension provided under the SSCBA1992:
	Category A
	Category B
	Category C (now obsolete)
	Category D
7.A Category A pension is contributory. It consists of two parts, either or both of which may be payable:
	Basic state pension – dependent upon the number of qualifying years a person has in their working life;
	Additional state pension (also referred to as state second pension) – dependent upon earnings, or deemed earnings in a person’s working life since April 1978.
8.A Category B pension is also contributory. Like a Category A pension, it can consist of either a basic state pension, an additional state pension, or both. It is payable by virtue of a spouse’s or civil partner’s qualifying years and earnings.
9.A Category D pension is non-contributory. It is payable when a person:
	reaches age 80; and
	satisfies certain residence conditions; and either
	is not entitled to another category of state pension; or
	is entitled to one at a lower rate than the Category D rate.