State Pensions and Benefits

On retirement claiming for all of the state pensions and benefits that you are entitled to should be a priority. You may have a monthly income from a personal pension but you will no doubt also be entitled to a state pension based on National Insurance contributions throughout your working life. But remember, you should claim for your state pension when you reach state pension age.

Age Requirements of State Pension

The state pension age is currently 66 for both men and women. From 6 April 2026, it will start to gradually increase from 66 to 67, completing this transition by March 2028.

Eligibility for State Pension

If you or your spouse have paid or been credited with National Insurance contributions and reached state pension age then you should be eligible. The entitlement to a basic state pension is formulated on the number of qualifying years that National Insurance contributions have been made. For the new state pension (for those reaching state pension age after April 2016), you need at least 10 qualifying years to receive any state pension and 35 qualifying years to receive the full amount.

Pension Variations

There are a number of different variations or additional state pensions that can be applied. These could include:

• State Second Pension – an additional pension available to those with a low income.
• Graduated Retirement Benefit – this is based on National Insurance Contributions paid between 1961 and 1975.
• Increased State Pension for Dependants – may apply if you have children or are responsible for children but can also take the form of child tax credits.
• Additional Age Pension – paid to anyone over the age of 80.

Pension Income Tax Estimator

Estimate the income tax you will pay on your pension, including your personal allowance and the 25 percent tax-free lump sum, so you know what you will actually take home.

Try our Pension Income Tax Estimator free, here on this site →

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

If you were receiving Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or legacy incapacity benefits before reaching state pension age, this may affect your state pension entitlement. You should check with the Pension Service about your specific circumstances.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

The Basic State Pension

Compared to a regular salary the basic state pension will not seem like much. This is why it is so important to have some form of personal pension plan in place for your retirement years. As a guide, the basic state pension based on personal national insurance contributions will be around £87.30 per week. A non contributory pension for someone over the age of 80 will be £52.30, which is the same as a woman’s pension that is based on her husband’s national insurance contributions.

How to Claim

The pension service should send you an invitation to claim your state pension around four months before you reach pension age. Questions will be asked about your background and some form of identity confirmation will be required.

Other Benefits

There are many other state benefits that can be claimed once you reach state pension age. If you are eligible these can include a Christmas Bonus, winter fuel payments, cold weather payments and pension credit. You can get full details and information on eligibility for these extra benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions.

State pensions and benefits are an important way to top up any personal pension you may have. But for many retired people it will be the only income they have during their retirement years. Claiming all of the state pensions and benefits you are entitled to could mean the difference between financially struggling through retirement, and making the most of your hard earned retirement years.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Pension Income Tax Estimator lets you estimate the income tax you will pay on your pension, including your personal allowance and the 25 percent tax-free lump sum, so you know what you will actually take home. Try it now →