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How to check your UK State Pension forecast

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.

Most people need at least 10 qualifying years of National Insurance to get any State Pension and 35 years for the full new State Pension. Buying voluntary Class 3 contributions can plug small gaps — but it's not always worth it.

Last reviewed:

·Estimated time: 20 min·Cost: Free to check (top-ups extra)

What you'll need

  • Government Gateway user ID (or HMRC App)
  • National Insurance number
  • Identity verification (passport or P60)

The steps

  1. 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.

    Official link →

  2. 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.

  3. 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).

    Official link →

  4. 04

    Decide whether topping up is worth it

    Each year of voluntary Class 3 contributions costs around £900 (2024/25 rate) and adds roughly £329 a year to your State Pension. That pays back in about three years of retirement — usually a strong return, but only if you'll actually receive that extra benefit (you won't if you'd already reach the maximum).

  5. 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.

    Official link →

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?
For the 2025/26 tax year the full new State Pension was £230.25 a week. Each missing qualifying year reduces it proportionally. The 2026/27 figure is uprated under the triple lock — always check the live amount on gov.uk before relying on a specific number.
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?
Your State Pension age depends on your date of birth. It is currently 66, rising to 67 between 2026 and 2028, and to 68 from 2044–2046 under current law. Your forecast shows your personal date.
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