State Pension Age & Forecast Calculator
Find out when you'll reach State Pension age and estimate how much State Pension you'll receive based on your National Insurance record.
State Pension Age Changes
The State Pension age in the UK has been gradually increasing and equalising for men and women. Here's the current timetable:
| Date of Birth | State Pension Age | When You'll Reach It |
|---|---|---|
| Before 6 April 1960 | 66 | On your 66th birthday |
| 6 April 1960 - 5 March 1961 | 66 + 1-11 months | Between May 2026 and March 2028 |
| 6 March 1961 - 5 April 1977 | 67 | On your 67th birthday |
| After 5 April 1977 | 68* | Between 2044 and 2046 |
*The increase to age 68 is subject to government review and may change.
National Insurance Qualifying Years
Your State Pension amount depends on your National Insurance record. Here's how it works:
- • 35 qualifying years: Full new State Pension (£230.25/week in 2025/26)
- • 10-34 years: Proportional amount (1/35th of full pension per qualifying year)
- • Less than 10 years: No State Pension entitlement
How to Check Your NI Record
You can check your National Insurance record online at GOV.UK . This will show you:
- How many qualifying years you have
- Any gaps in your record
- A forecast of your State Pension
Filling Gaps in Your NI Record
If you have gaps in your National Insurance record, you may be able to make voluntary contributions to increase your State Pension entitlement.
- • Class 3 contributions: £17.45 per week (2024/25) to buy a qualifying year
- • Deadline: You can buy the last 6 tax years (back to 2019/20 in 2025/26)
Worth it? Use our NI Top-Up Calculator to see if buying extra years is worth it for you - including ROI and breakeven analysis.
Important: Before paying voluntary contributions, check if you will benefit. If you already have 35 qualifying years, additional contributions won't increase your State Pension. Contact the Future Pension Centre for advice.
2025/26 State Pension Rates
| Type | Weekly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Full new State Pension | £230.25 | £11,973 |
| Full basic State Pension | £176.45 | £9,175 |
The State Pension increased by 4.1% for 2025/26, in line with average earnings growth (triple lock). The new State Pension applies to those reaching State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the new and basic State Pension?
The new State Pension replaced the basic State Pension for anyone reaching State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016. The new State Pension is a single-tier payment based on your NI record, while the old system had a basic pension plus additional state pension (SERPS/S2P).
Can I defer my State Pension?
Yes, you can defer claiming your State Pension. For each 9 weeks you defer, your State Pension increases by 1% (roughly 5.8% for each full year). This can be worthwhile if you're still working or have other income.
Is the State Pension taxable?
Yes, the State Pension counts as taxable income. However, it's paid gross (without tax deducted). If your total income exceeds your Personal Allowance, you may need to pay tax through Self Assessment or via your other income through PAYE.
What is the triple lock?
The triple lock is a government commitment to increase the State Pension each year by the highest of: average earnings growth, inflation (CPI), or 2.5%. For 2025/26, the 4.1% increase was based on average earnings growth.
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