State Pension

The State Pension is a regular payment made to you by the Government once you reach State Pension age. It's based on your previous National Insurance contributions.

What types of State Pension are there?

The new State Pension came into effect in 2016, replacing the old State Pension which existed before it. Which pension applies to you depends on whether you reached State Pension age before the new State Pension came into force (see the table below).

Which State Pension should I claim?

Use our chart to find out which State Pension you should claim:

Why are there 2 State Pensions?

The new State Pension was introduced in 2016 to replace the old State Pension (sometimes referred to as 'the basic State Pension'). Those who already qualified for the old State Pension will continue to receive it, but new claimants receive the new State Pension. Eventually, the old State Pension will be phased out completely.

When will I reach State Pension age?

State Pension age is currently 66 years old for both men and women. You can check when you'll receive your State Pension using the GOV.UK checker below. 

You won't get your State Pension automatically – you have to claim it. 

You should get an invitation letter from the Pension Service around 4 months before you reach State Pension age. You'll have the choice to claim it then or to defer it and receive higher payments in the future instead.

Deferring might mean you get more pension when you do claim – but it can also affect any benefits you get now. It's best to seek advice if you're thinking about deferring.