State Pension

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State Pension gives you a regular income once you reach state pension age. It is based on National Insurance contributions and the amount you get depends on how much you paid in.

Recent changes

The age at which you can claim State Pension is changing. It is currently 65 for men. State Pension age for women is gradually increasing from 60 and will reach 65 by November 2018. State Pension age for both men and women will then increase to 66 by October 2020 and after that to at least 68.

The Government has also published a White Paper outlining proposals to introduce a flat-rate, single-tier State Pension

Find out how the new State Pension White Paper affects you

How much will I get?

Under existing rules, the amount of State Pension you get depends on your National Insurance contributions, and sometimes those of your current or former spouse or civil partner.

You may have made contributions from your earnings or have been credited with them by the Government if you were caring for a child or disabled person.

As well as the Basic State Pension, you may get Additional State Pension or Graduated Retirement Benefit, which are based on the amount you earned when working (and therefore the amount you paid through National Insurance).

The State Pension increases every April. The current Government has promised to increase the basic pension by whichever is higher out of consumer price inflation, average earnings, or 2.5%. Increases in the Additional pension are usually based on consumer price inflation.

Use our pension calculator

Can I claim it now?

  • You won’t normally receive your State Pension automatically on reaching pension age. You need to make a claim. If you haven’t been contacted about claiming your state pension by three months before you are due to reach pension age, call the Pension Service on 0845 300 1084.
  • You can claim your State Pension even if you decide to continue working past State Pension age.
  • You can postpone claiming your State Pension, known as ‘deferring’, and get a higher pension or a lump sum when you do claim.

For more information, download the following:

opens link in new window More money in your pocket (PDF 335KB)

opens link in new window IG28 Can I afford to retire? - January 2013 (PDF 820KB)

opens link in new window FS19 State Pension - December 2012 (PDF 530KB)

We are grateful for the generous support of Dr Naim Dangoor CBE
and the Exilarch Foundation

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Age UK Advice:
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Plan for retirement

Use our pension calculator to work out how to get ready for your retirement

Useful website

  • The Directgov website provides provides details of state pensions‚ including forecasts and how to claim your pension.

Useful information to download

An information guide that covers financial issues you should consider as you approach retirement, as well as how to find the right adviser.

A factsheet that discusses the State Pension and what you are entitled to once you reach retirement age.

  • FS19 State Pension - December 2012 (PDF 530KB)
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