State Pension: how much you get and how to claim

By CareFinder Team · Published 2026-08-17 · Last reviewed 2026-09-18

You can claim the State Pension once you reach State Pension age, which is rising from 66 to 67 for people born on or after 6 April 1960. You must claim, usually online. For 2026/27 the full new State Pension is £241.30 a week; you need 10 qualifying National Insurance years for any pension and usually 35 for the full amount.

You can claim the State Pension once you reach State Pension age, which is rising from 66 to 67 for people born on or after 6 April 1960. It is not paid automatically: you need to claim, usually online. How much you get depends on your National Insurance record. For 2026/27 the full new State Pension is £241.30 a week, and you need at least 10 qualifying years to get any.

This is general information. Your own entitlement depends on your record, so get a personal forecast from GOV.UK.

When can you get the State Pension?

State Pension age is the same for men and women. It is currently 66, and it is rising gradually to 67 for people born on or after 6 April 1960, with the change phased in between 2026 and 2028. A further rise to 68 is set in law for later years and is kept under review. Use GOV.UK's State Pension age checker to find your exact date.

Reaching State Pension age does not mean you have to stop work. You can carry on working and draw your State Pension, and you stop paying National Insurance once you reach State Pension age.

New or basic State Pension: which applies?

There are two systems, depending on when you reached, or will reach, State Pension age.

• New State Pension: for men born on or after 6 April 1951 and women born on or after 6 April 1953, as set out on GOV.UK's eligibility page.
• Basic State Pension: for people who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016. It may be topped up by additional State Pension earned under older rules.

Most people now reaching pension age get the new State Pension.

How much is the State Pension?

According to GOV.UK, the full rate of the new State Pension is £241.30 a week for 2026/27. The basic State Pension is paid at a lower full rate. Rates usually rise each April.

Many people get a different amount:

• Less than the full rate if you have fewer qualifying years, or were "contracted out" of the additional State Pension before 2016 through a workplace or personal pension.
• More than the full rate in some cases, if you built up extra additional State Pension before 2016.

How National Insurance years count

• You need at least 10 qualifying years on your National Insurance record to get any new State Pension.
• You usually need 35 qualifying years for the full amount, if your record started after April 2016; it can differ if you have years before then.
• A qualifying year can come from working and paying National Insurance, from National Insurance credits (for example when claiming certain benefits, caring for someone, or bringing up young children), or from voluntary contributions.

Check your forecast

Use GOV.UK's Check your State Pension service to see how much you could get, when, and whether you can increase it. It also shows gaps in your National Insurance record.

Can you fill gaps in your record?

Sometimes. You may be able to pay voluntary National Insurance contributions to fill gaps, usually for recent years, and there are deadlines. Paying does not always increase your pension, for example if you will already reach the maximum. GOV.UK advises checking your record first; the Future Pension Centre can tell you whether paying would help if you are below State Pension age.

Before paying, check whether you are entitled to National Insurance credits instead. For example, people caring for someone for at least 20 hours a week may be able to get Carer's Credit, and those who get Carer's Allowance usually receive credits automatically.

How do you claim the State Pension?

You will not get it automatically. The steps are:

1. Watch for your letter. The Pension Service usually writes to you before you reach State Pension age with an invitation code.
2. Claim online using the invitation code. If you have not received a letter and are within three months of State Pension age, you can request a code.
3. Or claim by phone or post. If you will reach State Pension age within four months, you can phone the Pension Service, or ask for a paper claim form.

You will need your National Insurance number and bank details. Payments are usually made every four weeks, in arrears, into a bank or building society account.

People living in Northern Ireland claim through the Northern Ireland Pension Centre; the rules and rates are the same.

What if you delay claiming?

If you do not claim, your State Pension is automatically deferred. For people who reached State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016, GOV.UK explains that it increases by 1% for every 9 weeks you defer, just under 5.8% for every 52 weeks. You can take the extra as a higher weekly pension. A one-off arrears payment is limited to up to 52 weeks.

Deferring can make sense if you are still working and do not need the income, but it takes time to "win back" the payments you missed. Deferring can also affect some benefits, so get advice if you or your partner claim means-tested help.

Is the State Pension taxed?

The State Pension counts as taxable income, but it is paid without tax taken off. If your total income, including other pensions or earnings, is above your Personal Allowance, HMRC usually collects the tax through the tax code on another pension or job, or through Self Assessment. Check GOV.UK for the current Personal Allowance.

What other help is there on a low income?

If your State Pension is your main income, check whether you can get Pension Credit, which tops up low incomes and can unlock help with housing costs, council tax and a free TV licence at 75. If you need help because of an illness or disability, Attendance Allowance is available at State Pension age and is not means-tested (Pension Age Disability Payment in Scotland).

Frequently asked questions

Is the State Pension paid automatically?

No. You have to claim it. Most people get an invitation letter shortly before State Pension age and claim online, but you can also claim by phone or post.

How many years of National Insurance do I need?

At least 10 qualifying years to get any new State Pension, and usually 35 for the full amount. Your forecast on GOV.UK shows your own position.

Can I get my State Pension while still working?

Yes. You can work and receive the State Pension at the same time, and you no longer pay National Insurance once you reach State Pension age. Your earnings and pension together may be taxable.

What happens if I claim late?

Your pension is deferred and increases for each full nine weeks you wait. You may be able to receive up to 52 weeks of arrears as a lump sum instead, depending on your situation.

Can I get a State Pension if I live abroad?

Usually yes, but whether it rises each year depends on the country you live in. Contact the International Pension Centre before you move.

Key takeaways

• State Pension age is rising from 66 to 67 for people born on or after 6 April 1960; check your date on GOV.UK.
• You must claim it; it is not paid automatically.
• For 2026/27 the full new State Pension is £241.30 a week; you need 10 qualifying years for any and usually 35 for the full amount.
• Get a forecast and check for gaps before paying voluntary contributions, and check for credits first.
• Deferring increases your pension by 1% for every 9 weeks; the State Pension is taxable income.