How to claim the UK State Pension: it is not paid automatically

A common and costly mistake is assuming the State Pension starts arriving by itself when you reach pension age. It does not: you have to claim it.

How much is paid?

The full new State Pension is £241.30 a week. The exact amount depends on your National Insurance record: the full rate usually needs about 35 qualifying years, and any pension at all needs a minimum number of contributing years. If you were "contracted out" before 2016, you may need more years.

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Why must you claim it?

The State Pension is not awarded automatically. About a few months before you reach pension age, an invitation letter with a code for the online claim should arrive. If no letter comes but you are within three months of pension age, you can request an invitation code.

How do you claim?

There are three ways: online (you need the code from the letter), by phone to the Pension Service (if you are within 4 months of pension age), and by post — a form is sent on request. The easiest start is the GOV.UK page.

What should you check in advance?

Before retiring, check your pension forecast and NI record in the Check your State Pension service on GOV.UK — it shows your future amount and any National Insurance gaps, which can sometimes be filled with voluntary contributions. If you do not want to take the pension straight away, you can defer it — the pension is then increased. And if your income in later life is low, check your right to Pension Credit — it can top up income and unlock other help.

What if no invitation arrives?

If you are within three months of pension age and have no letter with a code, you can request an invitation code for the online claim separately. You can also claim by phone to the Pension Service (if within 4 months of pension age) or by post. Do not expect payments to start by themselves: without a claim the pension is not paid, and lost time is hard to recover later.

How do you boost your future pension?

Check your forecast in the Check your State Pension service in advance — it shows the amount and any National Insurance gaps. Gaps can sometimes be filled with voluntary contributions, which can noticeably raise the pension. If your retirement income is low, check Pension Credit — it tops up income and unlocks other help (Council Tax support, a free TV Licence after 75 and more). And if you do not need the money yet, you can defer the pension and get more later.