Implementation
The pension was due to be paid from 1 January 1909 and those eligible had to apply to a Local Pension Committee starting in October 1908 set up by the county councils. Those eligible had to be over the age of 70, must have been a British subject for 20 years and have resided in the United Kingdom. It was open to both men and women, both married and single, and their yearly means must not exceed £31 10s. Forms for applicants were available from end of September 1908 and had to be returned to the Postmaster of the Post Office that will pay the individual's benefit. The claims were assessed by the Pension Officers and then sent to the Local Pension Committee for approval.
On 31 December 1908 a total of 596,038 pensions had been granted:
| Rate | England (excluding Monmouthshire) |
Wales (including Monmouthshire) |
Scotland | Ireland |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5s | 297332 | 19691 | 60787 | 161578 |
| 4s | 15178 | 864 | 1443 | 3101 |
| 3s | 14830 | 805 | 1488 | 3131 |
| 2s | 7185 | 362 | 656 | 1628 |
| 1s | 4423 | 234 | 395 | 927 |
| Totals | 338948 | 21956 | 64769 | 170365 |
Read more about this topic: Old-Age Pensions Act 1908