How much State Pension will I get in the UK?

Oct 20, 2025 2 min read •

Retirement Planning Pensions UK Finance

For the 2025/26 financial year, the full new State Pension is £230.25 per week. However, the exact amount you receive depends heavily on your National Insurance (NI) record, a key factor in determining how much State Pension will I get in the UK.

Quick Summary

The amount of UK State Pension you receive depends on your National Insurance record. Those with enough qualifying years can receive the full amount, while others get a proportional payment. Different rules apply depending on when you reach State Pension age.

Key Points

Check Your Forecast: Use the GOV.UK online State Pension forecast tool for the most accurate estimate based on your NI record.
35 Qualifying Years: The full new State Pension (for those retiring after April 6, 2016) typically requires 35 years of National Insurance contributions or credits.
10-Year Minimum: A minimum of 10 qualifying years is needed to receive any new State Pension.
Amount Depends on NI Record: Your specific National Insurance history, including any periods of being 'contracted out' before 2016, determines your pension amount.
Different Rules Apply: If you reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016, the Basic State Pension rules apply.
Boost Your Pension: Consider voluntary NI contributions or deferring your claim to potentially increase your State Pension.
Protected Payments: Some individuals retiring under the new rules may receive an extra protected payment based on their NI record before 2016.
Annual Increases: The State Pension usually increases each year based on the 'triple lock' mechanism.

For those reaching State Pension age on or after April 6, 2016, the new State Pension rules apply. Generally, 35 qualifying years are needed for the full amount, and at least 10 years are required for any payment. Your amount is based on your NI record, and contributions made before April 6, 2016, if contracted out, can affect the amount. For those who reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016, the basic State Pension rules apply.

Using the government's official State Pension forecast tool provides a personalised estimate based on your NI record. It can show your estimated amount, State Pension age, and how to potentially fill NI gaps.

Basic vs New State Pension (2025/26 Figures)


Feature	Basic State Pension (reached before April 6, 2016)	New State Pension (reached on or after April 6, 2016)
Full weekly amount	£176.45	£230.25
Qualifying years for full pension	30 years (for most)	35 years
Minimum qualifying years	At least 1 year	At least 10 years
Additional pension	Potential for Additional State Pension (S2P/SERPS)	Replaced by protected payment
Spouse/civil partner	Possible to inherit or increase pension	Generally based on own NI record

Boosting your State Pension

Options to potentially increase your State Pension include making voluntary National Insurance contributions to fill gaps in your record and deferring your claim past your State Pension age. Deferring for at least nine weeks increases weekly payments. It is also important to consider other income sources like workplace or personal pensions, savings, and investments, as the State Pension may not be sufficient for a 'comfortable' retirement.

Annual increases

The State Pension is reviewed annually and typically increases based on the 'triple lock', which uses the highest of inflation, average earnings growth, or 2.5%. This helps maintain its value.

Conclusion

Your UK State Pension amount depends on your individual National Insurance record. While the full new State Pension for 2025/26 is £230.25 per week, checking your personal forecast on GOV.UK is the best way to determine your entitlement and explore ways to increase it, such as voluntary contributions or deferral. Understanding your State Pension is part of proactive retirement planning. More details on planning retirement income are available on {Link: GOV.UK https://www.gov.uk/plan-retirement-income/your-pension-options}.

Frequently Asked Questions

For the 2025/26 tax year, the full new State Pension is £230.25 per week. However, the actual amount you receive depends on your National Insurance record.

To receive the full new State Pension, you will typically need 35 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions or credits. You need at least 10 qualifying years to get any pension at all.

If you have gaps in your NI record and are not on track for the full pension, you may be able to make voluntary National Insurance contributions to fill these gaps and increase your pension entitlement.

Yes, you can check your State Pension forecast on the government's official website, GOV.UK. The forecast is based on your current National Insurance record.

If you defer claiming your State Pension past your State Pension age, your weekly payment will increase for each week you delay, provided you defer for at least nine weeks.

Yes, if you were 'contracted out' of the Additional State Pension before April 6, 2016, it may affect the amount of new State Pension you receive. This is because you or your employer paid lower National Insurance contributions during that period.

The New State Pension is for those who reach pension age after April 6, 2016, and has different rules, including a higher full amount and a requirement for 35 qualifying years. The Basic State Pension applies to those who reached pension age before this date.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.