The State Pension is money you can get from the government when you reach State Pension age. It is based mainly on your National Insurance (NI) record, not on how much you have saved in private pensions.
This guide explains, in plain English, how the State Pension works in 2025/26, who can get it, how much you may receive, and how to check and increase your entitlement.
State Pension at a Glance (2025/26)
- Current State Pension age: 66 for men and women in 2025.
- Full new State Pension (2025/26): £230.25 per week if you have a full NI record under the new system.
- Full basic (old) State Pension (2025/26): £176.45 per week for those under the old system.
- Minimum NI years for any State Pension: usually 10 qualifying years.
- Years needed for full new State Pension: usually 35 qualifying years.
- Paid: usually every 4 weeks into your bank, building society or credit union account.
- Payment day: depends on the last 2 digits of your National Insurance number.
- Increases each year: protected by the “triple lock” (rises by the highest of inflation, earnings growth or 2.5%).
You can find official information and online services on the main State Pension page on GOV.UK:
State Pension – GOV.UK.
Who Can Get the UK State Pension?
You can get the UK State Pension if:
- you have reached, or will reach, State Pension age; and
- you have enough qualifying years of National Insurance contributions or credits; and
- you make a claim (it is not paid automatically).
You can usually get a State Pension if you:
- worked in the UK and paid NI for some years; or
- got NI credits, for example for caring, illness, or unemployment; or
- paid voluntary NI contributions to fill gaps.
You do not need to be a UK citizen, but you must have the right NI record. If you have lived or worked abroad, your situation may be more complex, but you may still qualify for a UK State Pension.
Check your State Pension age
The State Pension age is 66 in 2025, but it’s due to rise to 67 between 2026 and 2028, and then to 68 later on. To see your exact State Pension age, use the government’s online checker:
New vs Old State Pension: Which One Are You On?
There are two main systems:
The new State Pension
You are in the new State Pension system if:
- you are a man born on or after 6 April 1951, or
- you are a woman born on or after 6 April 1953.
Under this system, you build up one flat-rate amount, up to the full new State Pension.
The basic (old) State Pension
You are in the old or “basic” State Pension system if:
- you are a man born before 6 April 1951, or
- you are a woman born before 6 April 1953.
In the old system, you may get:
- the basic State Pension; and
- an additional pension (for example SERPS or State Second Pension) depending on your past earnings and NI history.
Some people who were working before April 2016 get a mix of the old and new rules. This is handled through a “starting amount” and, sometimes, a “protected payment”. The details can be complex, so it is best to look at your personal State Pension forecast.
How Much State Pension Will I Get in 2025/26?
From April 2025, the official weekly rates are:
- Full new State Pension: £230.25 per week.
- Full basic State Pension (old system): £176.45 per week.
These rates come from the government’s benefit and pension rates for 2025/26. Remember, not everyone gets the full amount. Your weekly pension depends on your NI record and which system applies to you.
New State Pension: examples
Under the new system:
- If you have 35 qualifying years, and no special adjustments, you are likely to get the full £230.25 per week.
- If you have fewer qualifying years, your pension is reduced. Each extra qualifying year adds roughly one-thirty-fifth of the full amount.
- You need at least 10 qualifying years for any payment at all (these do not have to be in a row).
Example (simple, for illustration):
- You have 28 qualifying years under the new rules and are not affected by old system protections.
- Full new State Pension is £230.25 per week.
- 28/35 of £230.25 is around £184 per week.
Your real amount may be different if you were “contracted out” or have old system rights. Always check your forecast.
Basic (old) State Pension: examples
Under the old system:
- The full basic State Pension in 2025/26 is £176.45 per week.
- It usually needs 30 qualifying years under the old rules for the full basic amount (plus any additional pension on top).
- Some people get less because they have fewer qualifying years or periods of contracting out.
You may also have built up an Additional State Pension (such as SERPS or State Second Pension). This can add to your weekly amount and can vary a lot from person to person.
How the Triple Lock Works
The “triple lock” is a promise about how the State Pension rises each year. Each April, the State Pension increases by the highest of:
- price inflation (Consumer Prices Index);
- average UK earnings growth; or
- 2.5%.
For 2025/26, the increase has been set so that the full new State Pension is £230.25 per week and the full basic State Pension is £176.45 per week.
The triple lock is still government policy in 2025, but it could change in the future, especially as populations age and pension costs rise. It is wise to keep an eye on news and official guidance if your retirement is several years away.
National Insurance and Qualifying Years
How much State Pension you get depends mainly on your National Insurance record. A “qualifying year” is a tax year in which you have paid or been credited with enough NI.
Ways you build qualifying years
- Paying NI through work – if you are employed and earn above the NI threshold, contributions are taken from your wages.
- Self-employed contributions – usually through Class 2 and Class 4 NI via Self Assessment.
- National Insurance credits – if you are not working because you are:
- claiming certain benefits (for example, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance);
- caring for a child under 12 and getting Child Benefit;
- caring for a disabled person;
- on certain sickness or disability benefits.
- Voluntary contributions (Class 3) – you can sometimes pay extra to fill gaps in past years.
Because credits and rules can be complex, it is important to check your NI record and make sure you are getting all credits you are entitled to, especially if you have spent time out of work, caring, or abroad.
Check your National Insurance record
You can see your NI history online, including:
- how many qualifying years you already have;
- which years have gaps;
- whether you can pay voluntary contributions.
Use this service:
How to Check Your State Pension Forecast
Your State Pension forecast is a personalised estimate of:
- how much State Pension you are on track to receive;
- your State Pension age;
- whether you can increase your amount (for example, by paying voluntary NI).
To get your forecast online:
If you prefer not to use the internet, you can:
- phone the Future Pension Centre; or
- fill in and post form BR19 (you can download it from GOV.UK or request a copy).
These contact details are listed on:
Filling Gaps with Voluntary National Insurance Contributions
If your forecast shows you will not get the full new State Pension, it might be possible to pay voluntary NI contributions (Class 3) to fill gaps.
General points:
- Normally, you can buy back NI contributions for up to the previous 6 tax years.
- There has been a temporary scheme allowing people to go back to 2006/07, but this is time-limited and linked to deadlines. You should check the latest position on GOV.UK.
- Buying extra years can be very good value in many cases, but not always. It depends on your age, health, and future work plans.
- Do not pay before checking with the Future Pension Centre or an independent adviser. In some cases, paying extra may not increase your pension because you are already on track for the maximum.
Useful pages:
How and When to Claim Your State Pension
You need to claim your State Pension – it does not start automatically.
When you can claim
- You can usually claim from up to 4 months before you reach State Pension age.
- If you do nothing, you will simply not be paid until you claim (this is called deferring).
Ways to claim
In most of the UK (England, Scotland, Wales) you can claim:
- Online – usually the fastest way:
- By phone – call the Pension Service.
- By post – ask for a claim form from the Pension Service and send it back.
For Northern Ireland, there is a separate process via nidirect:
Ways to claim State Pension – nidirect.
If you already live abroad, you normally claim through the International Pension Centre or by using a country-specific form:
When and How the State Pension Is Paid
Payment frequency
The State Pension is a weekly benefit, but in practice, it is usually paid every 4 weeks in arrears into your chosen account. Some people can receive weekly payments in special circumstances (for example, if they previously used certain payment methods).
Payment day – based on your NI number
The day of the week you are paid depends on the last 2 digits of your National Insurance number:
| Last 2 digits of NI number | Day State Pension is paid |
|---|---|
| 00 to 19 | Monday |
| 20 to 39 | Tuesday |
| 40 to 59 | Wednesday |
| 60 to 79 | Thursday |
| 80 to 99 | Friday |
The first payment usually arrives within about 5 weeks of the date you choose to start your pension, and then every 4 weeks after that. If your normal payday falls on a bank holiday, you are usually paid earlier.
Deferring Your State Pension
You do not have to take your State Pension as soon as you reach State Pension age. If you choose not to claim, you are deferring your pension.
How deferring increases your pension
If you reach State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016 (new system):
- for every 9 weeks you defer, your State Pension increases by 1%;
- this is about 5.8% extra for each full year of deferral.
This extra is added to your weekly pension when you do start claiming. There is no longer a lump sum option for the new State Pension.
If you reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016 (old system), different and usually more generous deferral rules apply, sometimes including a lump-sum choice.
Deferring can be helpful if you are still working or have other income and would otherwise pay higher-rate tax. But it is not right for everyone, especially if you are in poor health or on certain means-tested benefits. It is sensible to get independent advice before you decide.
Official guidance on deferring:
State Pension and Tax
The State Pension is taxable income, but it is usually paid without tax being deducted at source.
Key points:
- You do not pay National Insurance on your State Pension.
- You may pay Income Tax if your total income (State Pension, workplace or private pensions, earnings, rental income, etc.) is above your tax-free personal allowance.
- HMRC normally collects tax through a tax code applied to other income (for example, a workplace or private pension). In some cases, you may need to pay through Self Assessment.
To read more about tax and NI after State Pension age:
Working After State Pension Age
You can carry on working after State Pension age if you want to. Many people work part-time in later life.
Rules in brief:
- You do not pay employee National Insurance (Class 1 or Class 2) once you reach State Pension age, even if you keep working.
- If you are self-employed, Class 4 contributions stop from the start of the tax year after you reach State Pension age.
- You may still pay Income Tax on your earnings and pensions if your total income is above your personal allowance.
More information:
State Pension if You Live or Retire Abroad
You can usually get your UK State Pension even if you move abroad, as long as you have enough NI contributions.
Claiming from abroad
If you already live abroad when you are close to State Pension age, you normally claim through the International Pension Centre or using the relevant forms for your country.
Useful pages:
Increases if you live in another country
The UK pays State Pension worldwide, but annual increases only apply in some countries.
You usually get yearly increases if you live in:
- the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland; or
- a country that has a suitable social security agreement with the UK.
In some other countries, your State Pension may be “frozen” at the rate you first receive when you move. It will not rise each year with the triple lock. This can make a big difference over time, so it is important to check before moving.
Official list of countries:
Inheriting or Increasing State Pension from a Spouse or Civil Partner
Some people can inherit or benefit from their spouse’s or civil partner’s State Pension or NI record, especially under the old system. The rules are detailed, but in simple terms:
- If your partner died and had built up Additional State Pension (under the old system), you may inherit part of it.
- Under the new State Pension, you may inherit some protected payment in limited cases.
- Certain married or widowed people can use their spouse’s NI record under older rules.
Because these rules depend on birth dates, marriage dates, and when each of you reached State Pension age, it is best to check the official guidance or speak to the Pension Service.
Useful starting point:
State Pension and Other Benefits (Pension Credit, Winter Help and More)
If your income is low in retirement, you may get extra help on top of the State Pension.
Pension Credit
Pension Credit tops up your income if it is below a certain level. It can also open the door to other help, such as:
- help with rent (Housing Benefit or the housing costs part of Universal Credit in some cases);
- help with Council Tax (from your local council);
- free TV licence if you are over 75 and on Pension Credit; and
- extra cost-of-living or winter support in some years.
Even if you think you are slightly above the limit, it is worth checking, especially if you have a disability, are a carer, or have housing costs.
More information:
Winter fuel and cold weather support
Depending on age and circumstances, you may also get:
- Winter Fuel Payment – usually for older people born before a certain date;
- Cold weather or cost-of-living support – schemes can change year to year.
Check the latest details each autumn on:
Common Questions About the State Pension
Can I get the State Pension if I have never worked?
You may still get some State Pension if you have enough NI credits or can benefit from a spouse’s record under older rules. If you have no NI contributions or credits at all, you are unlikely to receive a UK State Pension in your own right.
What if I only worked part-time or had breaks?
Part-time work can still count if your earnings were high enough for NI. You may also have credits for periods when you claimed benefits or cared for children or disabled adults. That is why checking your NI record is so important.
Can I live on the State Pension alone?
For many people, the State Pension alone is not enough for a comfortable retirement, especially if they rent. It is designed as a basic income. Most people will need private or workplace pensions or other savings as well.
What if I was “contracted out”?
If you were in a “contracted out” workplace pension scheme before 2016, you and your employer may have paid lower NI. In exchange, more of your pension rights are in your workplace pension and less in the State Pension. This can mean your State Pension is lower than the full amount, even if you have many qualifying years.
Your State Pension forecast will usually show the impact. Your workplace scheme should also give you details of the pension you have built up there.
How do I fix a mistake or query my payment?
If you think your State Pension is wrong:
- Check your NI record and forecast first.
- Contact the Pension Service if something does not look correct.
Contact details:
Avoiding Scams and Bad Advice
Pensioners are often targeted by scammers, especially around changes to State Pension age, compensation campaigns, or winter payments.
Stay safe by:
- never giving bank details or full ID to cold callers, texts, or emails;
- checking that any website you use is genuine (look for “.gov.uk” for official government services);
- being wary of anyone promising large backdated compensation or “special” schemes for a fee;
- getting free, impartial guidance if you are unsure.
Useful places for guidance:
Step-by-Step Checklist for Planning Your State Pension
If you are within 10–15 years of State Pension age, this simple checklist can help:
- Check your State Pension age.
Use the online tool to see when you can claim. - Get your State Pension forecast.
See how much you are on track to get and if you can increase it. - Review your NI record.
Look for gaps and make sure credits are recorded correctly. - Consider voluntary NI contributions.
Only after checking with the Future Pension Centre or an adviser that it will pay off for you. - Look at your other pensions.
Find old workplace pensions, check balances, and think about how they fit with your State Pension. - Decide when to claim.
Think about deferring if you are still working and do not need the income yet. - Plan your tax position.
Work out whether you will pay tax and how HMRC will collect it. - Check benefits you might get at State Pension age.
For example, Pension Credit, Council Tax support or winter schemes.
Where to Get More Help
The rules around the State Pension are detailed, but you do not need to learn every part. Focus on your own situation and use trusted sources:
- State Pension – GOV.UK
- Check your State Pension forecast
- Check your National Insurance record
- MoneyHelper – pensions and retirement
- Citizens Advice – pensions
If you are unsure about any decision, especially about paying voluntary NI or deferring your pension, it is usually worth getting independent financial advice. The State Pension is a foundation for your retirement, and small decisions now can make a big difference to your income for the rest of your life.