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Equal State Pension rights for transsexual people

Certain transsexual people can now apply for equal treatment rights for social security purposes. This could mean getting the State Pension paid early, or having some National Insurance contributions refunded.

Equal treatment rights for social security

The Gender Recognition Act 2004 gave transsexual people the right to be treated as their preferred gender.

Transsexual people who were aged 60 before the Act came into force on 4 April 2005 can now apply for equal treatment rights for social security purposes. This means they may be able to:

  • claim State Pension from an earlier date
  • have National Insurance contributions or periods from their 60th birthday refunded

Who qualifies for equal treatment rights?

To qualify for equal treatment rights for periods before the Gender Recognition Act 2004 came into force, you must:

  • have been born 24 December 1919 to 3 April 1945
  • provide evidence of relevant gender reassignment surgery before 4 April 2005

If you have a full Gender Recognition Certificate, are married or in a civil partnership, you can still apply.

Apply for equal treatment rights

To apply for equal treatment rights you need to request an expression of interest form. This is so The Pension Service can re-calculate your State Pension entitlement and tell you if you may be entitled to a National Insurance contributions refund.

You can ask for a form by phone, letter or email:

  • phone: 0191 218 7622 (or +44 191 218 7622 when dialling from overseas). The phone line is open from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Thursday, and 8.30 am to 4.30 pm on Friday
  • email: npc.grteam@thepensionservice.gsi.gov.uk
  • post: GR Team (in confidence)
    The Pension Service
    National Pension Centre
    TA013
    Tyne View Park
    Benton
    Tyne and Wear
    NE98 1BA

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