Flat rate state pension unrelated to earnings. It is unfunded; current taxpayers pay for the retirement income of an earlier generation. Membership is compulsory for all employed and self-employed with earnings above the lower earnings limit. Pension entitlement is built up through national insurance contributions. The state pension age for women is 60 (progressively increasing to 65 between 2010 and 2020) and 65 for men. BSP is increased annually for married couples and single persons in line with prices.