Plan your retirement income

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Pensions from the government

The pension you get from the government (‘State Pension’) is based on your National Insurance record when you reach State Pension age.

You reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016

You need 30 years’ worth of National Insurance contributions to get the full basic State Pension. You may also qualify for some Additional State Pension.

You reach State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016

The amount of new State Pension you’ll get depends on your National Insurance record. National Insurance contributions or credits made before and after 6 April 2016 can count towards your new State Pension.

You’ll usually need at least 10 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions or credits to qualify for any State Pension.

Find out how much State Pension you could get and when you can get it. You can also find out how you might be able to increase the amount you get.

Getting more State Pension

Deferring your pension

When you reach State Pension age you have the option to defer your State Pension (delay payments). By doing this you’ll get more money for every year you defer.

Pension Credit

Pension Credit is for older people on a low income to make sure they get a minimum weekly amount. You’ll have to apply and all your sources of income (for example savings) will be checked to make sure you qualify. Getting Pension Credit may mean you’re eligible for other benefits too.

You’re over 80

People over 80 with little or no State Pension can apply for a payment of £101.55 per week from the government through the over 80 Pension. You cannot get the over 80 pension if you reach State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016.

View a printable version of the whole guide

Part of Plan your retirement income: step by step

  1. Step 1 Check when you can retire

    1. Check what age you can get your State Pension
    2. Find out about working after you reach State Pension age
    3. Find out if you can retire early with your workplace or personal pension

  2. and Check how much pension you could get

    1. Find out how much State Pension you could get (your forecast)

    You may also be paying into a:

    1. Find out if you’ll pay tax on your pension
    2. Find contact details for a lost pension

  3. Step 2 Increase your pension

    You might be able to increase the amount you get if you delay your pension.

    1. Find out about delaying your pension

    You might be able to pay voluntary contributions to fill in gaps in your National Insurance record (such as, from when you were not working or claiming benefits).

    1. Check if you can pay voluntary National Insurance contributions

    For advice about increasing your workplace or private pension, speak to a financial adviser.

    1. Find a financial adviser through Unbiased

  4. Step 3 Check what other financial support you could get

    Check what financial help you could get if you:

    You can also get free bus travel if you:

  5. Step 4 Decide when to retire

    1. Get advice on planning your pension and deciding when to retire