What is the State Pension?
The State Pension is a regular payment from the UK government, designed to provide a basic income for people who have reached the official State Pension age. This age is set out in the Pensions Act 2014 and can change based on government policy and your date of birth. The State Pension acts as a foundation for your retirement income, helping to support you financially once you stop working.
The main purpose of the State Pension is to ensure a minimum level of income in later life. However, most people find it works best as part of a wider retirement plan, alongside personal or workplace pensions and other savings. To learn more about how the State Pension fits with other options, see our guide to different types of pensions.
Your eligibility for the State Pension, and the amount you receive, depends mainly on your record of National Insurance contributions. These are payments you make during your working life, and having enough qualifying years is essential to receive the full amount.
On this page, you’ll find more information about who can get the State Pension, how it works, how to claim it, and how it interacts with other pension income. The State Pension is a key part of retirement planning for most people in the UK, providing a secure starting point for your later years.
State Pension Age
The State Pension age is the earliest age at which you can start receiving your State Pension. It is set by the UK government and is important because it determines when you can access this key source of retirement income. The State Pension age is not fixed – it can change over time, usually in response to changes in life expectancy and government policy. These changes are set out in law, including the Pensions Act 2014, which outlines the rules for State Pension eligibility.
Currently, the State Pension age is the same for men and women, but the exact age may depend on your date of birth and is subject to future changes. Knowing your State Pension age is essential for planning your retirement and understanding when you can start to claim your benefits.
For the most up-to-date and detailed information – including how to check your own State Pension age and what upcoming changes might affect you – visit our dedicated State Pension age page. If you are interested in how the government sets these policies, you can also learn more about the role of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
State Pension Eligibility and National Insurance
To qualify for the UK State Pension, your entitlement is based on your record of National Insurance (NI) contributions and credits. Generally, you need at least 10 qualifying years on your NI record to receive any State Pension, and 35 qualifying years to receive the full amount. The number of years you have contributed directly affects how much you get, with partial pensions available for those who fall between the minimum and the full threshold.
There are two main types of State Pension: the Basic State Pension (for people who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016) and the New State Pension (for those reaching pension age on or after that date). Each has its own eligibility rules and calculation methods.
If you have gaps in your NI record, or if you have lived or worked abroad, special rules may apply to your entitlement. Your NI history, including any periods where you received credits (for example, while unemployed or caring for someone), can influence your pension amount. For an overview of how NI works, see National Insurance contributions.
For a detailed explanation of these rules and to check your personal circumstances, visit our page on State Pension eligibility and National Insurance. This will help you understand what counts towards your qualifying years, how to address any gaps, and what steps to take next.
How Much State Pension Will You Get?
The amount of State Pension you receive depends on several factors, mainly your National Insurance (NI) contribution history. To get the full new State Pension, you usually need at least 35 qualifying years of NI contributions or credits. If you have fewer qualifying years – at least 10 but less than 35 – you’ll receive a reduced (partial) State Pension. The specific rules and structure for the State Pension are set out in the State Pension Act 2014, which introduced the current system for people reaching pension age on or after 6 April 2016.
Your NI record is built up through working and paying NI, or by receiving credits in certain circumstances (like caring for a child or being unemployed). For more details on how NI contributions affect your State Pension, see this overview of National Insurance contributions from the House of Commons Library.
Each year, the State Pension amount is typically increased by the "triple lock mechanism", meaning it rises by whichever is highest: average earnings growth, inflation, or 2.5%. You can learn more about how this works in practice by reading about the triple lock mechanism.
If you choose to defer claiming your State Pension, your payments may increase when you do decide to claim. This can be a useful option if you wish to boost your retirement income.
To find out how much State Pension you’re likely to get, it’s a good idea to check your State Pension forecast. This will give you a personalised estimate based on your NI record so far and can help you plan for retirement.
How to Claim Your State Pension
When you reach State Pension age, you won’t receive payments automatically – you must claim your State Pension. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will usually send you a letter about four months before you reach the qualifying age, explaining how to claim. If you don’t receive this letter, or if you prefer, you can apply online, by phone, or by post. It’s important to remember that you won’t get your State Pension unless you make a claim.
If you live abroad, you can still claim your UK State Pension. The process is similar, but you’ll need to contact the International Pension Centre to start your claim.
When claiming, you’ll be asked for information such as your National Insurance number, proof of identity, and bank details. Your eligibility and the amount you receive depend on your National Insurance contributions. For more on this, see the National Insurance contributions guide.
Once your claim is processed, you’ll receive a letter confirming your payments and when they will start. State Pension is usually paid every four weeks directly into your bank account.
The rules for claiming and receiving the State Pension are set out in the State Pension Act 2014, which also introduced the new State Pension for those reaching pensionable age on or after 6 April 2016.
If you have questions or need help with your claim, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) can provide support and guidance throughout the process.
State Pension and Other Retirement Income
When planning for retirement, your State Pension is just one part of your overall income. Most people will need to combine it with other sources, such as workplace pensions and private or personal pensions, to ensure a comfortable standard of living in later life. The State Pension is a regular payment from the government, based on your National Insurance record, and is liable to income tax. However, if your only income is the State Pension, you are unlikely to pay tax in practice.
Workplace pensions are set up by your employer and can provide a valuable additional income. They often include contributions from both you and your employer, and can be a key part of your retirement planning. You can learn more about how these schemes work and how they complement the State Pension on our dedicated page about workplace pensions.
As you approach retirement, you’ll need to consider how and when to start accessing your pension savings. There are different ways to take money from your pension pots, including options for flexible pension access, which can help you manage your income alongside the State Pension. It’s important to plan carefully to make sure your money lasts and supports your needs throughout retirement.
If your total income from the State Pension and other sources is low, you may be eligible for Pension Credit, a benefit designed to top up your weekly income. Pension Credit comes in two parts – Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit – and can make a significant difference if you’re on a limited budget. For background details, you can also read about Pension Credit.
Managing multiple income streams in retirement can be complex, especially when considering tax implications and how to balance your withdrawals. It’s a good idea to review all your pension options, check your entitlements, and seek guidance if needed to make the most of your retirement income.
Planning Ahead and What Happens to Your State Pension
Planning for your retirement is essential, and the State Pension is a key part of your future income. However, it’s important to remember that the State Pension alone may not provide enough to cover all your needs in later life, so considering other sources of retirement income is wise.
When it comes to what happens to your State Pension after you die, the rules are quite specific. Generally, your State Pension stops being paid when you pass away. However, in some cases, your spouse or civil partner may be able to claim certain benefits or inherit part of your pension, depending on when you reached State Pension age and your National Insurance contributions. For a broader look at how pensions are affected by bereavement and what support might be available to your family, see our guide on pensions in family and bereavement.
The legal framework for these rules is set out in the State Pension Act 2007, which covers who is eligible for the State Pension and the benefits payable in connection with bereavement. If you have private or workplace pensions, the way these can be passed on to beneficiaries will depend on the scheme’s rules and may also be affected by inheritance tax. For more on the tax implications, you can refer to the Inheritance Tax Act 1984.
If you are part of a defined benefit pension scheme and your employer goes out of business, the Pension Protection Fund may provide compensation to protect your retirement income.
Thinking about your State Pension and other pension arrangements as part of your overall financial planning can help ensure your loved ones are supported and your retirement is secure. For more details on these topics, explore the links provided or seek professional advice tailored to your circumstances.
Problems and Complaints About Your State Pension
Many people find the State Pension process straightforward, but problems and complaints can arise. Common issues include incorrect payment amounts, missing National Insurance contributions, delays in receiving payments, or confusion about eligibility. Sometimes, errors in your State Pension record can affect how much you receive.
To avoid problems, regularly check your State Pension record to make sure your National Insurance contributions are correct. If you spot a mistake or believe your payments are wrong, you should contact the Pension Service for help in resolving the issue.
If you’re not satisfied with how your case is handled, you have the right to make a formal complaint. The Complaints Procedure provided by Citizens Advice explains how to raise concerns about the service you’ve received, including steps to escalate your complaint if needed.
Understanding your rights is important. The rules governing State Pension entitlements are set out in the State Pension Act 2014, which details how pensions are calculated and administered.
If your issue relates to broader pension concerns, such as mis-selling or other pension-related disputes, our guide to pension complaints can help you understand your options and the next steps. Taking prompt action helps ensure your rights are protected and any problems are resolved as quickly as possible.
