Question 1

What is the new State Pension?

Accepted Answer

The new State Pension was introduced for those reaching State Pension Age on or after 6 April 2016. The full amount is £221.20 per week (2026/27), payable to those with 35 or more qualifying National Insurance years. You need at least 10 qualifying years to receive any State Pension. The old basic State Pension (£169.50/week) applies to those who reached SPA before April 2016.

Question 2

What is a qualifying National Insurance year?

Accepted Answer

A qualifying year is a tax year in which you paid (or were credited with) enough National Insurance contributions to count toward your State Pension. You accumulate qualifying years through employment, self-employment (paying Class 2 NI), or NI credits (e.g. if claiming Child Benefit, Carer's Allowance, or when receiving certain benefits). You can check your NI record on the HMRC website.

Question 3

Can I top up my NI record?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can pay voluntary Class 3 NI contributions to fill gaps in your record, currently at £17.45 per week (£907.40 per year) for 2026/27. Given the full State Pension is worth £11,502 per year, filling a gap year can pay for itself in under a year of pension. Gaps can generally be filled for the past 6 tax years, though under a current extension scheme you can fill gaps back to 2006 until April 2025.

Question 4

What is State Pension Age?

Accepted Answer

State Pension Age (SPA) is currently 66 for both men and women. It is being raised to 67 between 2026 and 2028 (for those born between 6 April 1960 and 5 April 1977), and a rise to 68 is planned for those born after 1977, though the exact timetable is subject to review. You will not receive your State Pension automatically; you must claim it.

Question 5

Can I defer my State Pension?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For every 9 weeks you defer, your weekly State Pension increases by 1% (roughly 5.8% per year). If you defer for a full year, you'd receive an extra £12.82/week (2026/27). Deferral makes sense if you're still working and don't need the income immediately, or if you have a long life expectancy.

State Pension Calculator

Your NI record

NI record summary

Related calculators

Frequently asked questions