Britannic Asset Management have issued research that shows that single pensioners are fairing better in the "income war" than their married counter-parts. They surveryed income, shopping habits and more.
Research found that the single pensioners shopping basket was 3.3% cheaper than it was a year ago and that their basic investment income had risen from £35 to £50 per week compared to married pensioners whose investment income had fallen from £49 to £41.52 per week.
Our view
These results are not surprising. Singles can adapt to changes in prices of goods, adjust diet, make changes to housing, fuel bill costs etc, whereas marrieds perhaps have to take into account their partner's views. In simple terms, singles can do what they want.
Alongside this is perhaps the fact that many single pensioners have actually lost their partners and therefore, whilst this is not particularly good news, they benefit from their deceased partners estate as well as the carry on of spouse dependents pension income etc.
Also, whilst looking at state benefits such as the minimum income guarantee, this would appear to favour singles rather than marrieds.
Learn more about State Pensions, The Minimum Income Guarantee and the new Pension Credit in the State Pensions Centre of the Pensions Adviser.com.