UK State Pension 2026/27

How much you get

Both figures rose by 4.1% in April 2026 under the triple lock — the rule that State Pension increases by the highest of: average earnings growth, CPI inflation, or 2.5%. April 2026 was driven by the September 2025 earnings figure.

When you can claim — State Pension Age

State Pension Age (SPA) depends on when you were born:

• • Born before 6 April 1960: SPA was 66 (you can already claim or have done).
• • Born 6 April 1960 to 5 March 1961: SPA between 66 and 67 (rising on a sliding scale).
• • Born 6 March 1961 to 5 April 1977: SPA is 67.
• • Born after 5 April 1977: SPA likely 68 (current law schedules 68 from 2044 — under review).

Find your specific SPA at gov.uk/state-pension-age.

Important: State Pension does NOT start automatically. You must claim it 4 months before reaching SPA. DWP sends an invitation letter ~4 months before, but if you've moved address or it's missed, claim manually at gov.uk/get-state-pension.

How qualifying years work

You earn a "qualifying year" by having paid (or been credited with) enough National Insurance for that tax year:

• • Paying NI on earnings ≥£125/week (LEL) — automatic.
• • Receiving Universal Credit, JSA, ESA, Carer's Allowance — credits applied automatically.
• • Receiving Child Benefit for a child under 12 — credits applied automatically (one parent claims; you can specify which).
• • Looking after a grandchild while parents work — Specified Adult Childcare Credits (apply on form CA9176).
• • Receiving Carer's Credit — apply if caring for someone 20+ hours/week.
• • Voluntary contributions — Class 2 (self-employed) or Class 3 (everyone else) to fill gaps.

Topping up missing years (best ROI move you'll make)

From April 2025 onwards, the standard 6-year backdate window applies — you can fill gaps from the most recent 6 tax years. The previous extension allowing top-ups back to 2006-07 closed at the start of 2025/26.

The maths:

• • Cost of one voluntary year (Class 3): approximately £907 in 2026/27.
• • Each year added: approximately £343/year extra State Pension (1/35 of £11,975).
• • Payback time: ~2.6 years after reaching State Pension Age.
• • If you live 20 years past SPA: £6,860 of pension for one £907 contribution = 7.5x return.

This is one of the highest-return financial moves available to UK savers — but it has a deadline. Check your NI record at gov.uk/check-state-pension before deciding.

Don't just buy gap years blindly — sometimes you don't need them. If you're 50 and already have 30 qualifying years with 17 working years until SPA, you'll naturally hit 35 without paying anything. Always call the Future Pension Centre (0800 731 0175, free) before sending money — they'll tell you if a top-up actually moves the needle.

The fiscal-drag pensions tax (the warning nobody's giving)

Personal Allowance is frozen at £12,570 until 2028. State Pension rises every year via triple lock. The two are converging:

By 2027/28, pensioners with only the State Pension and no other income will be within £70 of paying income tax for the first time. By 2028/29 they'll be paying ~£91/year in tax (20% × £455) — small but symbolically significant. Most pension advisers consider this deliberate fiscal-drag policy.

Other key things to know

• • Deferring State Pension: if you delay claiming after SPA, your weekly amount increases by 1% for every 9 weeks deferred (~5.8%/year). For most people, claiming on time and investing the cash is better, but for someone with high income still working, deferring can make sense.
• • State Pension and pensioners working: you can claim State Pension AND continue earning. There's no NI on State Pension itself, but earnings above SPA are still subject to income tax.
• • Spouse / Civil Partner: the new State Pension is individual — your spouse's NI record doesn't help you. (Old basic State Pension allowed inheriting some of a spouse's NI; new pension does not.)
• • Pensioners moving abroad: State Pension is paid worldwide. But annual increases (the triple lock) only apply if you live in the UK, EEA, Switzerland, or a country with a reciprocal social security agreement with the UK. In Australia, Canada, New Zealand, etc. your State Pension is "frozen" at the rate when you left.
• • Pension Credit top-up: if your retirement income is below £237.55/week (single) or £352.65/week (couple), apply for Pension Credit at gov.uk/pension-credit. About 850,000 eligible UK pensioners don't claim it — average loss £3,500/year.

FAQs

How much is UK State Pension 2026/27?

£230.25/week (£11,975.4/year) for the new full State Pension. £176.45/week for the basic State Pension.

When can I claim?

From your State Pension Age (66 currently, rising to 67 between 2026-28). Check your specific SPA at gov.uk/state-pension-age.

How many qualifying years for full?

35 years for full new State Pension, minimum 10 for any. Each missing year reduces pension by ~£343/year.

Can I top up missing years?

Yes — Class 3 voluntary NI. ~£907 per year buys ~£343 extra State Pension. Standard 6-year backdate window. Check your record before paying — sometimes you don't need to.

Will my State Pension be taxed?

Yes, it's taxable income. Currently below Personal Allowance for state-pension-only retirees, but converging — by 2027/28 full State Pension will be at or just below the frozen PA, and by 2028/29 likely above.