Understanding Society User Support

Dear UKHLS Team,

I am using Understanding Society (UKHLS) data to select samples of individuals who are of State Pension age at the time of the survey.

First, I have noticed that the variables pensioner_dv and pensioner produce different results, even within the same wave. Could you please clarify the differences between these two variables?

Second, the description for pensioner states: 'Respondent is of pensionable age: Whether the respondent is of state pensionable age or not at the time of the survey is calculated using the government defined rules in force based on their date of birth or age.' Does this mean it uses the rules that were in force at the * time of the survey* ?

Third, the description for pensioner_dv states: 'Whether R is of pensionable age: Whether respondent is of state pensionable age. Uses derived age and interview information and state pension rules applicable since 6 April 2016'. Does this mean that the post-2016 rules are applied retrospectively to data from earlier waves?

Fourth, for the purpose of accurately identifying whether a respondent was eligible for the state pension (i.e., at or above State Pension age) at the time of each survey interview , would it be appropriate to use one of these variables consistently across waves? If so, which one would you recommend?

Thank you very much for your assistance—I greatly appreciate your help in clarifying these points.

Best regards,
Bingqing