Once you reach retirement age, most people are entitled to claim their State Pension. It is a regular payment from the government which is based on your previous National Insurance contributions.
The current State Pension age is 66 but has been increasing in recent years and is due to rise to 67 by 2028. You can find out your State Pension age by going to the GOV.UK website and using their free calculator.
Not everybody is entitled to State Pension. You’ll need to have contributed a minimum of 10 years towards National Insurance contributions to receive the minimum pay out. To qualify for the full State Pension, you’ll need to have contributed a minimum of 35 years.
You may not have enough years’ worth of qualified contributions due to gaps in your record. These can be caused by factors such as:
You may be able to make up the gaps in your National Insurance contribution record by paying voluntary contributions but doing this won’t always increase your State Pension.
It’s a good idea to seek financial advice to find out if you’ll benefit from voluntary contributions. Money Advice Office provides free independent and impartial information and guidance. They also have reputable financial advisers available who can help you make the best decision for your own personal circumstances.
You should receive a letter a couple of months before you reach State Pension age explaining how to claim it. You won’t just receive the payments automatically, so it’s important to know that even if you haven’t received the letter, you can still claim it.
The easiest way to claim your State Pension is online, and you can start your claim up to four months before reaching State Pension age.
You can also request contact details from the Pension Tracing Service by phone or by post.
The Pension Tracing Service
Telephone: 0800 1223 170
From outside the UK: +44 (0) 1782 389134
Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
Address
The Pension Tracing Service
The Lantern
High Street
Ilfracombe
EX34 9QB
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The Pension Tracing Service® is a trading style of Millennial Wealth Ltd. We are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA number 914746). Pinnacle House, 34 Newark Road, Peterborough, PE1 5YD. Registered company number 11557299.
Profile Pensions is a trading name of Profile Financial Solutions Ltd, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA number 596398). Registered office: Norwest Court, Guildhall Street, Preston, PR1 3NU.
This service is not affiliated with the Department for Work and Pensions or any government body. When you click to get started, you'll be taken to Profile Pensions to complete your sign-up and begin the Find, Check & Transfer service. Capital at risk: the value of investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in. Past performance is not a guide to future performance. Tax treatment depends on your individual circumstances and may change.
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