Frequently Asked Questions

It’s up to you when you retire, but your State Pension age depends on your birth date. Many Workplace, Private Pensions and Defined Contribution Pensions allow access from age 55 (rising to 57 in 2028), but whether you can afford to retire depends on how much savings you have and your desired lifestyle.

You can claim your State Pension once you reach State Pension age, which depends on your birth date. You can check your State Pension age on the Government website.

The full new State Pension is currently £230.25 per week (2025 rates), but the amount you receive depends on your National Insurance record. You can check your State Pension forecast online here.

You can get your State Pension forecast:

1. Online: Visit the UK Government’s State Pension Forecast page and sign in using your Government Gateway account.
2. By post: Fill in the BR19 form and send it by mail to request a paper forecast.
3. By phone: Call the State Pension Forecast service to request one.

To get your forecast, all you’ll need is:

• A Government Gateway account (if you don’t have one yet, you can create one easily online).
• Your National Insurance number

Yes. If you have gaps in your National Insurance record, you may be able to boost your State Pension with voluntary National Insurance contributions. You may also want to check to see if you’re eligible for any National Insurance credits (e.g., if you were a carer or on certain benefits).

No. The State Pension forecast only covers your State Pension entitlement. For Workplace or Private Pensions, you’ll need to contact your pension providers.