When can Mum claim her State Pension?
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UK State Pension Calculator
Helping families plan for retirement with confidence. Calculate State Pension age and see the key steps to take now.
Calculate State Pension Age
Enter a date of birth to see the estimated State Pension age and target date.
£Understanding UK State Pension
The State Pension is a regular payment from the government that most people can claim when they reach State Pension age. It is designed to provide core financial support in retirement.
Who qualifies?
- You need at least 10 qualifying years on your National Insurance record to get any State Pension.
- You usually need 35 qualifying years to get the full amount.
- You build qualifying years by working and paying National Insurance, or receiving credits.
📅State Pension ages explained
Your State Pension age depends on when you were born. The age has been gradually increasing:
| Date of birth | State Pension age |
|---|---|
| Before 6 April 1960 | 66 years |
| 6 April 1960 to 5 April 1977 | 67 years |
| 6 April 1977 onwards | 68 years |
📊What affects your State Pension amount?
You build up your State Pension through National Insurance contributions. Each tax year you pay (or are credited with) contributions counts as a “qualifying year”.
- Working and earning over £242 per week automatically counts.
- Self-employed people pay Class 2 contributions.
- Claiming certain benefits gives you credits.
- Caring for children or disabled family members can earn you credits.
Common reasons for gaps include:
- Time spent unemployed without claiming benefits.
- Living abroad.
- Low earnings below the threshold.
- Time caring for family without claiming credits.
Good news: You can often fill gaps by paying voluntary contributions, usually going back up to 6 years.
If you “contracted out” of the additional State Pension before April 2016, you paid lower National Insurance but may receive less State Pension. This mainly affects those who were in workplace defined benefit schemes.
This is automatically taken into account when you get your State Pension forecast.
You can delay claiming your State Pension and receive a higher amount later:
- Your pension increases by 1% for every 9 weeks you defer (roughly 5.8% per year).
- There is no upper limit on how long you can defer.
- You can claim the increase at any time.
Example: Defer for 1 year and your State Pension increases by about 5.8% for life.
✓Essential steps to take now
Whether retirement is years away or approaching soon, these steps can help you and your family feel more prepared.
Visit gov.uk/check-national-insurance-record to see your qualifying years and spot any gaps.
Request a forecast at gov.uk/check-state-pension to see your estimated amount.
If you have gaps, check if paying voluntary contributions would be worth it (Class 3 contributions are usually around £824 per year).
Look at workplace and private pensions. State Pension alone may not provide the income you want in retirement.
If income will be low, check if you could qualify for Pension Credit, which tops up income for people over State Pension age.
Think about how you might cover care home or home-care costs in later life, as these are not fully covered by the state.
?Common questions
Can I claim State Pension if I am still working?
Yes. You can carry on working and claim your State Pension. You usually stop paying National Insurance once you reach State Pension age.
What if I have lived abroad?
Time working in EEA countries or countries with reciprocal agreements can often count towards your State Pension. Contact the International Pension Centre for advice on your situation.
Will State Pension increase each year?
The State Pension currently uses the “triple lock”, meaning it rises by the highest of inflation, average earnings growth or 2.5%.
Is State Pension taxable?
State Pension counts as income for tax purposes, but it is paid without tax deducted. HMRC usually adjusts the tax you pay on other income to account for it.
Get your official State Pension forecast
This calculator gives a helpful estimate. For your exact State Pension age and a personalised forecast based on your full National Insurance record, use the official government service.
Check on GOV.UKℹAdditional support
Free guidance services:
- Pension Wise: Free government appointments about retirement options (0800 138 3944).
- MoneyHelper: Free and impartial financial guidance (moneyhelper.org.uk).
- Citizens Advice: Advice on benefits and pensions (citizensadvice.org.uk).
- Age UK: Information and support for older people (0800 678 1602).
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on current UK State Pension rules. Rules can change and individual circumstances vary. Always check your official State Pension forecast and consider professional financial advice for retirement planning decisions.