Pensions guide
State Pension explained
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The State Pension is a regular payment from the government once you reach State Pension age. How much you get depends on your National Insurance record. Here’s how it works and how to check what you might get.
Capital at risk. The value of investments can fall as well as rise, and you may get back less than you put in.
Good to know: This is general information, not personal advice. Pensions are long-term investments.
The value can go down as well as up, so you could get back less than has been paid in. Capital at risk.
For free, impartial guidance, use MoneyHelper. If you’re 50 or over with a defined contribution pension, you can book a free Pension Wise appointment.
How much is the State Pension?
The full rate of the new State Pension is £241.30 a week. That’s the amount for someone with a full National Insurance record who reaches State Pension age under the new system.
Your own amount could be different. It can be lower if you have fewer qualifying years, or if you were “contracted out” before 2016 (when you or your employer paid less into the State Pension and more into a workplace pension). It can be higher if you built up Additional State Pension before 2016 and would have got more under the old rules — this extra is called a protected payment.
The new State Pension applies to men born on or after 6 April 1951 and women born on or after 6 April 1953. People who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016 get the basic State Pension instead, possibly with Additional State Pension.
Qualifying years
A qualifying year is a tax year in which you paid National Insurance, got National Insurance credits (for example while unemployed, ill, or caring for a child or another person), or paid voluntary contributions.
- You usually need 10 qualifying years to get any new State Pension.
- If your National Insurance record started after April 2016, you need 35 qualifying years for the full rate.
- If you were contracted out before 2016, you’ll usually need more than 35 years to get the full rate.
If you have gaps, you may be able to fill some of them by paying voluntary National Insurance contributions. Whether that’s worth it depends on your record, so check your forecast first.
When can you get it?
The earliest you can get the State Pension is your State Pension age. It’s rising from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028, depending on your date of birth. Under the current timetable, people born between 6 April 1960 and 5 March 1961 reach State Pension age at 66 plus a number of months, and people born from 6 March 1961 reach it at 67.
A further rise to 68 is currently legislated for between 2044 and 2046, and the timetable is reviewed regularly. Use the GOV.UK State Pension age checker to see your own date.
The State Pension isn’t paid automatically. You need to claim it, and you should get a letter about how to claim shortly before you reach State Pension age. You can also choose to delay (defer) claiming, which can increase the amount you get later.
How does it go up each year?
The new State Pension increases each year by whichever is highest of average earnings growth, price inflation (measured by CPI) or 2.5%. This is often called the “triple lock”. Protected payments increase in line with CPI instead.
Because the triple lock is government policy, it could change in future. Our inflation guide explains why rising prices matter for fixed incomes.
Is the State Pension taxed?
The State Pension counts as taxable income, but it’s paid without tax taken off. Whether you pay tax depends on your total income, including any workplace or personal pensions, earnings and savings income, compared with your Personal Allowance of £12,570. If you have other income, tax on the State Pension is often collected through your other pension or wages.
How to check your forecast
You can check your State Pension forecast online through GOV.UK. It shows how much you could get, when you could get it, and your National Insurance record, including any gaps. It’s worth checking every few years, especially if you’ve had time out of work, lived abroad or been self-employed.
Your forecast is a useful starting point for retirement planning. The State Pension alone may not cover the lifestyle you want. That’s where workplace pensions and other savings come in. Our pension calculator can help you see how a private pension might add to it.
Things to check
- Your State Pension age and forecast on GOV.UK.
- Any gaps in your National Insurance record and whether voluntary contributions could help.
- Whether you’re getting National Insurance credits you’re entitled to, for example while caring for someone.
- Free help from the Pension Service or MoneyHelper if anything in your forecast doesn’t look right.
FAQ
How much is the full new State Pension?
£241.30 a week. Your amount depends on your National Insurance record.
How many years do I need for the full State Pension?
Usually 35 qualifying years if your National Insurance record started after April 2016, and at least 10 years to get any new State Pension.
When will I get my State Pension?
At your State Pension age, which is rising from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028. Check yours on GOV.UK.
Do I have to claim it?
See When can you get it? above.
Can I fill gaps in my record?
You may be able to pay voluntary National Insurance contributions. Check your forecast first to see whether it would increase your State Pension.
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Sources
Figures checked on 3 October 2026. Rules and rates change, so check the latest on GOV.UK.