Understanding the current State Pension rates
The UK State Pension is a key source of retirement income for many, but the amount you receive is not universal. It depends on which State Pension system you fall under—the old 'basic' State Pension or the 'new' flat-rate State Pension—which is determined by your date of birth. For the 2025/26 tax year, there are two separate full amounts in effect.
The new State Pension (post-April 2016)
For those who reached State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016, the full new State Pension is £230.25 per week. To be eligible for this full amount, you generally need 35 qualifying years of National Insurance (NI) contributions or credits. If you have fewer than 35 qualifying years, but at least 10, your pension will be proportionally lower. Certain factors, like having been 'contracted out' of the additional State Pension before 2016, can also affect your final sum.
The basic State Pension (pre-April 2016)
If you reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016, you are on the old system. The full basic State Pension for the 2025/26 tax year is £176.45 per week. Under this older system, you needed 30 qualifying years of NI contributions to receive the full amount. Some people under the old system may also be entitled to an additional State Pension, such as SERPS, which was a top-up based on their earnings.
Your National Insurance record: The key to your pension
Your NI record is crucial for determining your State Pension amount. Here's what you need to know:
- Qualifying Years: A qualifying year is a tax year where you paid enough NI contributions, or were credited with them.
- Filling the Gaps: If you have gaps in your NI record, you may be able to fill them by making voluntary contributions. This can be particularly beneficial if you have less than the required number of years to get the full amount, or if you fall short of the 10-year minimum required for any new State Pension. The government often runs special schemes to allow people to fill older gaps.
- National Insurance Credits: You can receive NI credits for certain periods when you were not working, such as when you were unemployed, caring for children, or caring for someone with a disability.
Comparing the two State Pension systems
| Feature | New State Pension (Post-April 2016) | Basic State Pension (Pre-April 2016) |
|---|---|---|
| Full Weekly Rate (2025/26) | £230.25 | £176.45 |
| Qualifying Years for Full Rate | 35 years | 30 years |
| Minimum Qualifying Years for Any Pension | 10 years | Often 1 year for those reaching age from April 2010 |
| Additional Pension Top-Ups | None built up under new system (but prior entitlement may exist) | Can include Additional State Pension (SERPS or S2P) built up before April 2016 |
| Applicable To | Men born on/after 6 April 1951, women born on/after 6 April 1953 | Men born before 6 April 1951, women born before 6 April 1953 |
Future pension increases and the triple lock
For 2026/27, the State Pension is set to increase in line with the triple lock, based on the highest of inflation, average earnings, or 2.5%. Early figures from September 2025 suggest a potential 4.7% rise, which would increase the full new State Pension to £241.05 per week and the basic to £184.75 per week. This provides some protection against inflation, but does not guarantee it will keep up with the rising cost of living for retirees.
How to check your State Pension entitlement
To find out exactly how much State Pension you could get, it's best to get a personalised State Pension forecast. The official government service can be accessed online and shows you your current NI record and any forecasted entitlement based on that. This is particularly important for those who have lived or worked abroad, or have gaps in their NI record.
Check your State Pension forecast here
Other considerations for your retirement income
While the State Pension is a solid foundation, for most people, it will not be enough to provide a comfortable retirement. It is important to consider other sources of income, such as:
- Private and workplace pensions: These are vital for topping up your retirement income and can be taken from age 55 (increasing to 57 in April 2028), well before the State Pension age.
- Savings and investments: Any other savings you have can supplement your pension income.
- Pension Credit: For those on a low income, Pension Credit can provide a significant boost, even if you have savings or other income.
Conclusion: Navigating your State Pension
Determining your State Pension amount involves understanding which system you are in, and diligently checking your National Insurance record. For the 2025/26 tax year, the headline figures are £230.25 a week for the new pension and £176.45 for the basic, but your personal entitlement may vary. By checking your forecast and understanding how voluntary contributions and NI credits work, you can take control of your financial future and maximize your retirement income.
