How to Check Your State Pension Forecast
You can check your State Pension forecast online at no cost to see how much you might receive, when you could start, and whether you could increase the amount. The full rate of the new State Pension is currently £241.30 a week, but your personal figure depends on your National Insurance record and other factors. Planning retirement income alongside workplace pensions and other savings starts with knowing what the State Pension might add.
What the forecast shows
According to GOV.UK, the forecast tells you how much State Pension you could get, when you can get it, and if and how you could increase it—for example by paying to fill gaps in your National Insurance record.
You need to sign in to use the service. You may need to prove your identity, for example with photo ID such as a passport or driving licence. You cannot use the online forecast if you already get State Pension or have deferred it.
How much is the new State Pension
The full rate of the new State Pension is £241.30 a week. Your amount can differ if you were contracted out of a workplace pension before 2016, if you have fewer qualifying years, or if you built up Additional State Pension under the old rules.
The new State Pension applies to men born on or after 6 April 1951 and women born on or after 6 April 1953.
Each year, the amount usually increases by the highest of earnings growth, CPI price growth or 2.5%.
Qualifying years
National Insurance qualifying years are central to how much you get. According to GOV.UK, you need 10 qualifying years to receive any new State Pension.
A qualifying year is typically a tax year in which you were working and paying National Insurance, getting National Insurance credits (for example while unemployed, ill, a parent or a carer), or paying voluntary contributions.
If your National Insurance record started after April 2016, you usually need 35 qualifying years for the full rate of £241.30 a week. If you were contracted out of a workplace pension before 2016, you may need more than 35 years to reach the full amount.
Credits can come from several situations listed on GOV.UK, including caring responsibilities and some benefit periods. Checking your record shows which years count and which are missing.
Filling gaps
Gaps in your National Insurance record can reduce your forecast. You may be able to pay voluntary contributions to fill some gaps, but GOV.UK recommends checking first whether you already have National Insurance credits that cover those years.
The official service lets you see the cost and the effect on your pension before you pay.
If you had children and claimed support linked to caring, other parts of the system may also affect your record. For example, Child Benefit can include National Insurance credits for a parent when a child is under 12, which may help your State Pension record even if you opt out of receiving payments.
Claiming your State Pension
State Pension is not paid automatically; you must claim it. GOV.UK explains that you should receive a letter with an invitation code before you reach State Pension age. If you are within three months of State Pension age, you can request the letter.
If you will reach State Pension age within four months, you may be able to claim by phone. You can claim your State Pension even if you keep working, or you can delay (defer) claiming it to increase the amount you get.
State Pension age itself depends on your date of birth. Use the official State Pension age checker on GOV.UK rather than guessing a date from memory.
If you have changed jobs, you can also find a lost pension; other guides are in the pensions hub.
Frequently asked questions
Who can use the online State Pension forecast?
Most people who have not yet started their State Pension can sign in to check a forecast. You cannot use it if you already receive State Pension or have deferred it. You may need photo ID to prove your identity.
How many qualifying years do I need for any new State Pension?
According to GOV.UK, you need at least 10 qualifying years on your National Insurance record to get any new State Pension. A qualifying year usually means working and paying National Insurance, receiving credits, or paying voluntary contributions.
How many years are needed for the full new State Pension?
If your National Insurance record started after April 2016, you normally need 35 qualifying years for the full rate. If you were contracted out of a workplace pension before 2016, you may need more than 35 years.
Does the State Pension start automatically?
No. GOV.UK states that State Pension is not paid automatically and you must claim it. You may receive an invitation letter with a code, or you can request one within three months of reaching State Pension age.
Can I increase my forecast by paying extra?
You may be able to pay voluntary National Insurance contributions to fill gaps in your record. GOV.UK advises checking whether you already have credits before paying, and using your record to see the cost and benefit.
Sources
Disclaimer: This article is general information and not personal financial, tax or legal advice. Check your own situation with HMRC, GOV.UK or a regulated adviser.