How to check your UK State Pension forecast
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In short. Use the free 'Check your State Pension forecast' service on gov.uk — it shows what you'll get, when, and how many qualifying years you still need. If you have gaps in your National Insurance record, the same service tells you whether topping up is worthwhile.
You normally need at least 10 qualifying National Insurance years for any new State Pension. The 35-year rule for the full amount applies if your NI record started after April 2016; earlier records use transitional rules, including any contracted-out history. Check your personal forecast. Check your State Pension forecast and NI record before paying voluntary contributions. A gap does not always reduce your pension, and filling it may not increase it. Check available NI credits first; use the official service or ask the Future Pension Centre which years would help.
Content updated:
What you'll need
- Government Gateway user ID (or HMRC App)
- National Insurance number
- Identity verification (passport or P60)
The steps
- 01
Go to the gov.uk State Pension forecast tool
Visit gov.uk/check-state-pension. You'll be asked to sign in with Government Gateway. Setting up an account takes about ten minutes if you don't have one.
- 02
Read your forecast
The forecast shows your current weekly amount, the maximum you can build up by continuing to work, your State Pension age, and how many qualifying years you have so far.
- 03
Check your National Insurance record
Look at your full NI record for gaps. Years where you paid enough NI count as 'qualifying'; years with gaps don't. Some years count via NI credits (carer, child benefit claimant, jobseeker).
- 04
Decide whether topping up is worth it
Check your State Pension forecast and NI record before paying voluntary contributions. A gap does not always reduce your pension, and filling it may not increase it. Check available NI credits first; use the official service or ask the Future Pension Centre which years would help. The payment amount depends on the year and class of contribution; check the live amount in your NI record.
- 05
If you decide to top up, use the official service
Top-ups can normally only be made for the last six tax years, but until 5 April 2025 a special concession allowed top-ups all the way back to 2006/07. Always use the official Check and Pay service — never a third-party 'pension top-up' firm.
Common pitfalls
- Topping up a year you don't need is wasted money — confirm with the Future Pension Centre first
- Self-employed pay Class 2 NI (much cheaper) — don't accidentally pay Class 3
- The Future Pension Centre (0800 731 0175) can confirm specific years to buy
FAQ
- What is the new State Pension worth?
- The full new State Pension is £241.30 a week in 2026/27 (£12,547.60 over 52 weeks). Your actual amount depends on your National Insurance record. You normally need at least 10 qualifying National Insurance years for any new State Pension. The 35-year rule for the full amount applies if your NI record started after April 2016; earlier records use transitional rules, including any contracted-out history. Check your personal forecast.
- Can I get the State Pension if I live abroad?
- Yes, but whether it rises each year depends on which country you're in. It is frozen at the level you first claimed if you live in some countries (e.g. Canada, Australia, much of Asia) and uprated in others (e.g. EEA, Switzerland, US, Philippines).
- When will I get my State Pension?
- State Pension age is rising in stages from 66 to 67 between April 2026 and April 2028. Your exact date depends on your date of birth; use the GOV.UK State Pension age checker. The rise to 68 is currently legislated for 2044–2046, subject to review.