How to Claim your Pension

What is a Pension?

A pension is money paid to you regularly after you retire (stop working). It helps you pay for things when you are older.

Who Can Get a Pension?

Most people can get a pension when they reach the State Pension age. In the UK, this is usually between 66 and 68 years old.
The age you can start getting a pension depends on the year you were born.

You may also be able to get a private pension. This is extra money saved up from your job or your own savings.

There are two main pensions in the UK:

1. State Pension: Money you get from the government.
2. Private Pension: Money you or your workplace save for you.

1. State Pension

The government pays this money to people who have worked or paid National Insurance (NI) contributions for at least 10 years.
The full State Pension is about £203.85 per week (as of 2023).

To get the full amount, you usually need to have paid NI contributions for 35 years.

2. Private Pension

Some jobs pay into a pension for you. This is called a workplace pension. You might also save your own money in a private pension.

You can have both a State Pension and a Private Pension.

To get a State Pension:

1. Check Your State Pension Age
   Find out when you can start getting your State Pension by visiting the State Pension age checker.

2. Check Your National Insurance Contributions
   See how many years you have paid by going to Check your National Insurance record.

3. Apply for the State Pension
   You should receive an invitation code letter in the post. You need the code from the letter to then apply for State Pension.

   • By Phone: Call the State Pension claim line at 0800 731 7898 (Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 6.00pm).
   • Online: Apply for State Pension online.

4. If you did not receive an Invitation Code Letter.
   You can request a code which will be posted to your home address.

   • By Phone: 0800 169 0154 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 3.30pm).
   • Online: Request and invitation code online.

• The amount of State Pension depends on how many years you paid National Insurance. If you have paid this for over 35 years you will get the full amount of £203.85
• You can check your expected State Pension amount here: Check your State Pension forecast.
• If you are on low income you may also be able to claim Pension Credit. For more details check the Benefits page here under 'Are you on low income or not in work?'

Citizens Advice

• Service: Free help with questions about pensions.
• Website: https://www.thecalmzone.net/
• Phone: 0800 144 8848
  • Open Monday to Friday
  • 9.00am to 5.00pm

Money Helper

• Service: Free help and advice on pensions
• Website: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en
• Phone: 0800 011 3797
  • Open Monday to Friday
  • 9.00am to 5.00pm
  • Closed Bank Holidays