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 can check here.

Private pension 

• You may also be able to get a private pension.
• This is extra money saved up from your job or your own savings.
• See here for difference between:
  • Workplace pensions and personal or stakeholder pensions.

State pension

• Is money you get from the government.
• 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.

Private pension

• Is money you or your workplace save for you.
• 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.
  • This is called a personal or stakeholder pensions.

You can have both a state pension and a private pension.

Check your state pension age

• Find out when you can start getting your state pension by:
  • Visiting the State Pension age checker.
• Check Your National Insurance Contributions.
• See how many years you have paid by going to Check your National Insurance record.

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.
• Call the state pension claim line at 0800 731 7898:
  • (Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 6.00pm).
• Apply for State Pension online.
• If you did not receive an invitation code letter:
  • You can request a code which will be posted to your home address.
• Call 0800 169 0154:
  • (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 3.30pm).
• Request and invitation code online.

State pension money

• 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