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GrantUK-wide

State Pension

Department for Work and Pensions (Department for Communities in Northern Ireland)

Description

A regular payment from the government once you reach State Pension age, based on your National Insurance record rather than your income or savings. Most people now get the 'new State Pension' (anyone reaching State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016); people who reached State Pension age before that date remain on the older 'basic State Pension' system, often topped up by Additional State Pension/SERPS or Pension Credit.

Amount

New State Pension: £241.30/week (full rate, for those reaching State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016 with 35 qualifying years). Basic State Pension: £184.90/week (full rate, for those who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016). 2026/27 rates, verified directly against gov.uk in this pass (September 2026).

Deadline

Rolling / no fixed deadline

Eligibility summary

  • Available across the whole UK (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland).
  • Open to individuals — not restricted to businesses.
  • Relevant age groups: 65+.
Notes
Not means-tested. Uprated every April under the 'triple lock' (the highest of average earnings growth, CPI inflation, or 2.5%) — the new State Pension rose 4.8% in April 2026. Reserved UK-wide: no separate Scottish scheme, unlike several disability and carer benefits. Deferring a claim increases the eventual weekly rate. Itself taxable income, but can passport towards other help such as Pension Credit.
Requirement
Reached State Pension age with at least 10 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions or credits (35 years needed for the full new State Pension rate). State Pension age is currently transitioning from 66 to 67, phased in between 6 May 2026 and 6 April 2028 depending on date of birth — check your own date via gov.uk's 'Check your State Pension age' tool.

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You can also do this yourself for free via the official source

How to apply

You should get a letter around 2 months before reaching State Pension age with claim instructions; if not, claim online, by phone, or by post. Use gov.uk's 'Check your State Pension forecast' service to see your own qualifying years and estimated amount — this site doesn't have access to anyone's National Insurance record.

View official source

Last verified: 2 September 2026. See the footer disclaimer — this is general information, not financial or tax advice.