What is the State Pension? 

The State Pension is a regular payment you receive from the government during retirement, funded by your National Insurance contributions during your working years. 

There are currently two systems in operation, depending on your age:

• The “new” State Pension: For men born on or after 6 April 1951 and women born on or after 6 April 1953.
• The “basic” State Pension: For anyone born before those dates.

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What is the State Pension age? 

The State Pension age is the earliest age you can start receiving your payments. This is set by the government and is subject to change.

• Currently the State Pension age is 66 for both men and women.
• Future changes have been legislated for a rise to 67 between 2026 and 2028.

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How much is the State Pension? 

The amount you’ll receive is based on which system you fall under and your National Insurance. These rates apply to the 2025/2026 tax year. 

• The full rate for the new State Pension is £241.30 a week (approx. £12,547 a year)
• The full rate for the basic State Pension is £184.90 a week (approx. £9,615 a year)

For couples 

A common question is whether a joint amount is paid out to couples. The State Pension is based on your individual National Insurance record, meaning you and your partner will claim separate amounts. If you both qualified for the full State Pension, you’d receive an income of approximately £25,095.

For a widow 

If your spouse or civil partner passes away, you may be able to inherit some of their State Pension, but the rules around this are complex. 

• Under the old system (reached pension age before 2016) you can often inherit a significant portion of your partner's ‘Additional State Pension’ (SERPS).
• Under the new system (reached pension on or after 6 April 2016) it is much harder to inherit. Typically, you can’t inherit their main pension, but you may inherit a ‘protected payment’ if they built up a very large pot under the old rules. 

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How much State Pension will I get? 

The amount you receive is not a fixed salary, it is a payment calculated from your ‘qualifying years’ of National Insurance (NI) contributions.

A qualifying year is one in which you were working and made NI contributions, received NI credits (e.g. you were ill, unemployed or a carer), or made voluntary NI contributions. 

• To qualify for the full amount you generally need 35 qualifying years.
• To qualify for any amount you need at least 10 qualifying years.
• To qualify for a proportional amount you’ll need between 10 and 35 qualifying years (e.g. 18 years would qualify you for half the full amount). 

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How do I check my State Pension forecast?

If you want to check how much State Pension you might qualify for, you can do this online.

Check your State Pension forecast using the free tool on the government website.

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When do I get my State Pension?  

You can claim your State Pension up to four months before you reach your qualifying age. This is then paid directly into your bank account every four weeks . 

The State Pension is taxable income, however, this is not deducted from the payment directly; it makes up part of your Personal Allowance.

Any due tax is usually taken from your other income sources like a private pension or salary. 

What is the full State Pension?

The ‘full State Pension’ refers to the maximum standard rate (£241.30 per week for the new State Pension).

However, it is possible to receive more than this if you have deferred (delayed) taking your pension, or if you have ‘Protected Rights’ from the old system. 

‘Protected Rights’ refers to a protection of claimants of the old ‘additional’ State Pension, who were entitled to receive more than the new full State Pension. 

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What is Pension Credit? 

Pension Credit is a separate, tax-free benefit for people over State Pension age who are on a low income.

It is distinct from the State Pension because it is means-tested; based on your income and savings, not your National Insurance record. 

It is often called a 'gateway benefit' because claiming it can unlock other support, such as free TV licences (for over-75s) and Council Tax reductions.

The Winter Fuel Payment is now available to pensioners with an income up to £35,000, but Pension Credit remains the most reliable route to ensure you receive it if you are on a low income. 

How much is Pension Credit a week? 

For the 2026/27 tax year, Pension Credit tops up your weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level:

• For single people this is £238.00 per week.
• For couples tops up joint income to £363.25  per week.

If you have a disability or caring responsibilities, you may be entitled to extra amounts on top of this.

Who is eligible for Pension Credit? 

You must live in England, Scotland, or Wales and have reached State Pension age.

• Income rule: Your weekly income generally needs to be below the thresholds listed above.
• Savings rule: If you have savings over £10,000, your entitlement is reduced. For every £500 you have over £10,000, it counts as £1 of weekly income. 

How to apply for Pension Credit? 

You can apply online via the GOV.UK website, by post, or by phone. You will need your National Insurance number, details of your income/savings, and your bank account information. 

• Pension Credit Claim line: 0800 99 1234

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Workplace pensions

While the State Pension provides a guaranteed safety net, £12,500  a year is likely far too little for a comfortable retirement.

Creating the lifestyle you dream of after you stop working may require a second stream of income. 

For most people, this comes from their workplace pension, which is arguably the most powerful savings tool available to UK employees. When you pay in, your employer has to pay in too.

Read our next guide and get a better understanding of workplace pensions.

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