Your eligibility for the Basic State Pension depends on how many qualifying years you accrue during your working career. Learn more about the eligibility requirements for a basic State Pension.
At this point, everyone who qualifies for the base State Pension has attained State Pension age. You must have sufficient National Insurance qualifying years in order to receive it.
You have to apply for the new State Pension if your birthdate falls on or after these dates.
Yes, you may still be eligible for a State Pension even if you have never paid National Insurance. However, the amount you receive will be lower than if you had paid National Insurance contributions throughout your working life.
How to Qualify for a State Pension
To qualify for a State Pension, you need to have reached State Pension age and have at least 10 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions. A qualifying year is one in which you paid National Insurance contributions, received National Insurance credits, or paid voluntary National Insurance contributions.
If you have fewer than 10 qualifying years, you may still be eligible for a reduced State Pension. The amount of the reduction will depend on how many qualifying years you have.
How to Increase Your State Pension
There are a few ways to increase your State Pension, even if you have never paid National Insurance:
- Defer your State Pension. This means delaying claiming your State Pension until after you reach State Pension age. For every year you defer, your State Pension will increase by 1%.
- Claim National Insurance credits. You may be able to claim National Insurance credits for certain periods, such as when you were unemployed, sick, or caring for a child.
- Make voluntary National Insurance contributions. This is an option if you have a gap in your National Insurance record.
Other Benefits You May Be Eligible For
If you are not eligible for a State Pension, or if your State Pension is low, you may be eligible for other benefits, such as:
- Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Reduction
How to Find Out More
If you are unsure whether you are eligible for a State Pension, or if you want to find out more about how to increase your State Pension, you can contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the State Pension?
The State Pension is a weekly payment from the government that you receive when you reach State Pension age.
What is State Pension age?
State Pension age is currently 66 years old. It is due to rise to 67 years old in 2028.
How much is the State Pension?
The full amount of the State Pension is currently £185.15 per week. However, the amount you receive will depend on how many qualifying years of National Insurance contributions you have.
How do I claim the State Pension?
You can claim the State Pension online, by phone, or by post. You can find more information on the DWP website.
If you have never paid National Insurance, you may still be eligible for a State Pension. However, the amount you receive will be lower than if you had paid National Insurance contributions throughout your working life. There are a few ways to increase your State Pension, such as deferring your State Pension or claiming National Insurance credits. If you are not eligible for a State Pension, or if your State Pension is low, you may be eligible for other benefits.
Number of qualifying years you need
Your situation will determine how many years of National Insurance qualifying you need to receive a basic State Pension.
If you’re a man you usually need:
- If you were born between 1945 and 1951, you have one qualifying year.
- 11 qualifying years if you were born before 1945
If you’re a woman you usually need:
- if you were born between 1950 and 1953, one qualifying year
- 10 qualifying years if were born before 1950
Even with fewer qualifying years, you may still be qualified. If you live overseas, get in touch with the International Pension Center or the Northern Ireland Pension Center to find out.
Your eligibility for a basic state pension depends on how many years you have made qualifying contributions to the National Insurance program.
If you want to keep working
Even if you continue to work, you can still receive your state pension.