There’s been lots of talk about potential changes to the state pension, but one woman is celebrating receiving her first payment. The reason why she’s so thrilled is really rather touching
A woman is celebrating receiving her first state pension payment, but the reason she’s so happy about it may surprise you. Siobhan Daniels is a digital creator who opens up about the joys of retirement, but her state pension means a lot to her for a very important reason.
Though the money is clearly beneficial to anyone who reaches state pension age, she believes there’s a lot more significance to hitting the milestone. To her, ageing is a privilege, and she feels blessed to be getting older, taking to Instagram to explain why.
This month the work and pensions secretary announced a review of the state pension age. Every six years the government is tasked with conducting a review into the state pension age, which currently stands at 66; however, the last one concluded in 2023, and the new one is set to finish in 2029.
The review will look at whether the current state pension age is still considered appropriate. Factors such as life expectancy get taken into account to assess this. For now though, Siobhan is super happy to be handed her payment.
In an honest post, Siobhan admitted she was proud to become an OAP, writing: “I am celebrating old today. I have received my first state pension payment. Something some of my siblings did not get to do. It is a privilege to age.”
The short words were posted alongside a picture of herself enjoying a walk in the sunshine, perhaps to show how glorious the every day moments of life can be. She feels blessed to be able to continue doing these things, and it’s clear that many others think ageing is worth celebrating too.
Over 1,000 people have liked the post since it was shared, and dozens commented to share their thoughts. Many think she sends a very poignant message.
One person said: “Great news. I was 65 yesterday and have to wait another 16 months. Enjoy spending!” Another added: “It certainly is. My mum didn’t see 40 and my hubby just got to 53. I celebrate every year getting older. I’m just so glad that I’m still here.”
A third replied: “Yes, it’s a privilege to age! Congratulations, now it’s official, you are retired.” Meanwhile a fourth also commented: “Agreed – a privilege and so exciting when you get the first payment. I thought it might be delayed again til I got it. ’59ers rock!”
Someone else also shared their story, adding: “My mum died at 36. Age is a privilege to be embraced. Enjoy your retirement.” One more also said: “You are right. My father died at 56, and my husband 54, so yes – it is a privilege to age.”
Many people also congratulated Siobhan and told her to “spoil herself” now that she’s receiving her payments. They encouraged her to enjoy the “little luxuries” that she’s worked so hard for over the years.
Siobhan isn’t the only person to speak out about the benefits of the state pension recently, as Kim Wintermeyer also admitted she thinks there is “one big positive” of the payment that people don’t talk about enough.
Kim spoke about it in a recent TikTok video where she made her thoughts clear, and explained how you can even work to save some money to put towards something nice like a holiday. The topic certainly got a lot of people talking, especially as Brits could be set to see some big pension changes soon.
She said: “Unlike other forms of wages or payments, which would come in on the first or last of the month, the state pension doesn’t do that. It comes in every four weeks, which means the date changes all the time.
“It also comes in 13 instalments. Now, wise ones of you will say ‘yes, there’s only 12 months in the year, so how does it do 13?’ That’s why it does it in every four weeks, but that means that one month you get paid twice, and this is my month where we get paid twice, which is really handy for holidays and things.”