What is the new State Pension?

The new State Pension is a regular payment that has been introduced to replace the basic State Pension and State Second Pension. The new State Pension is designed to be much simpler than the old system and will consist of a single amount to be awarded if you are eligible. 

Who can claim the new State Pension?

You can claim the new State Pension if you reach State Pension age after 6 April 2016. 

How much State Pension will I receive?

You will receive the full State Pension of £221.20 a week (from April 2024) if you have 35 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions.

If you don't have the contributions required for the full pension, as long as you have a minimum of 10 qualifying years you will receive a pro rata amount. They don't have to be 10 years in a row.

If you don't have 10 qualifying years you will not be eligible for the new State Pension.

Any contributions made under the current pension system can be used toward the new State Pension.

If you are more than 30 days away from reaching State Pension age you can ring the Future Pension Centre on 0345 3000 168 to ask for a pension statement showing how much you may get and the number of qualifying years on your record. 

Can I defer the new State Pension?

You don't have to claim the new State Pension when you reach State Pension age. If you choose to defer your State Pension it will increase by 5.8% for every year you put off claiming.