State Pension

What is State Pension?

State Pension is a regular payment from the UK Government that most people can claim when they reach their State Pension age. There are two different types of State Pension. Which one you qualify for depends on whether you reached your State Pension age before or after 5 April 2016. 

What is State Pension age in the UK?

Currently, the UK State Pension age is 66. This is due to increase from May 2026 and will reach 68 by March 2028. There is no set retirement age in the UK. However, many people choose to wait until their State Pension age to retire, particularly if State Pension will be their only source of income.

How much will I get?

You can check your State Pension entitlement by contacting the Future Pension Centre on 0800 731 0175. Your State Pension entitlement is based on your National Insurance contributions or National Insurance credits.

You pay National Insurance contributions when you are working if you earn enough, and are credited with contributions if you are claiming benefits such as Universal Credit, Carer’s Allowance, Carer Support Payment or Employment and Support Allowance, or if you are caring for a child.

This guide covers the rules for both types of State Pension, how and when you can claim State Pension and how to deal with any problems claiming. 

Benefit Workshops

The benefits system is complicated. It can be difficult to work out what you are entitled to, and how to claim it. Find out more about joining one of our Benefit Workshops here.