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.
Tax year 2026/27 ·
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 (£241.30/week in 2026/27)
- • 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: £18.40 per week (2026/27) to buy a qualifying year
- • Deadline: You can buy the last 6 tax years (back to 2020/21 in 2026/27)
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.
2026/27 State Pension Rates
| Type | Weekly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Full new State Pension | £241.30 | £12,547.60 |
| Full basic State Pension | £184.90 | £9,614.80 |
The State Pension increased by 4.8% for 2026/27, 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.
How this calculator works
Your State Pension age comes from the legislated timetable: we map your exact date of birth against the transition tables in the Pensions Acts (66 → 67 between May 2026 and March 2028, 67 → 68 currently legislated for 2044–46).
Your estimated amount is qualifying years ÷ 35 × £241.30 per week
(2026/27 rate), the standard new State Pension fraction, with a minimum of 10
qualifying years to receive anything.
- Estimates assume the new State Pension rules (reaching State Pension age after 6 April 2016).
- Contracted-out deductions (COPE) from pre-2016 employment are not modelled — your official forecast accounts for these.
- Future rates depend on the triple lock and future legislation.
Sources
- GOV.UK — State Pension age timetable — Pensions Acts 1995–2014 transition tables
- GOV.UK — Benefit and pension rates 2026/27 — weekly State Pension rates
- GOV.UK — Check your State Pension forecast — your official forecast always takes precedence
Full formulas and worked examples for every calculator are on our methodology page.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the current State Pension age in the UK?
- The State Pension age is currently 66 for both men and women. It started increasing to 67 from 6 May 2026, affecting those born after 5 April 1960.
- How many NI qualifying years do I need for the full State Pension?
- You need 35 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions to receive the full new State Pension, and a minimum of 10 qualifying years to receive any State Pension at all.
- How much is the full State Pension in 2026/27?
- The full new State Pension is £241.30 per week (£12,547.60 per year) for the 2026/27 tax year. It increased by 4.8% in April 2026 under the triple lock, based on average earnings growth.
- When will State Pension age increase to 67?
- State Pension age is rising from 66 to 67 between 6 May 2026 and 6 March 2028. People born between 6 April 1960 and 5 March 1961 reach State Pension age between 66 years 1 month and 66 years 11 months.
- 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. It 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. For each 9 weeks you defer claiming, 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, though it is paid gross (without tax deducted). If your total income exceeds your Personal Allowance, tax is usually collected through PAYE on other income or Self Assessment.
- 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, CPI inflation, or 2.5%. For 2026/27 the 4.8% increase came from average earnings growth.
Related calculators
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Early Retirement Calculator
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