# UK State Pension explained (2026/27)

Content updated: 2026-09-12

Canonical HTML: https://moneyguide.org.uk/pensions/state-pension-explained/


## What we checked

AI-assisted source comparisons of the stated scope; not individual professional approval of the whole page.

Checked 2026-09-12: The 35 qualifying years rule is not universal: pre-April-2016 records can involve transitional calculations. Corrected the phased State Pension age rise to 67 during April 2026–April 2028, the normal minimum private pension age change from 55 to 57 on 6 April 2028, and stale full-new-State-Pension figures. Readers need an individual forecast before buying NI gaps; these checks are limited to the stated claims.

- [DWP new State Pension](https://www.gov.uk/new-state-pension/what-youll-get)
- [State Pension age timetable](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/state-pension-age-timetable/state-pension-age-timetable)
- [HMRC normal minimum pension age](https://www.gov.uk/hmrc-internal-manuals/pensions-tax-manual/ptm028000)
- [GOV.UK voluntary NI](https://www.gov.uk/voluntary-national-insurance-contributions)

## In short

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.

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. It is uprated each April; check your forecast rather than assuming that a count of qualifying years gives the final amount.

## Qualifying years

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.

NI credits are automatically awarded for periods of receiving Child Benefit (for a child under 12), Carer's Allowance, Universal Credit (when looking for work), Jobseeker's Allowance, ESA and several other benefits. Years can also be 'bought' through voluntary Class 3 NICs.


## State Pension age

- 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.
- Rising from 66 to 67 between April 2026 and April 2028, depending on date of birth
- Scheduled to rise from 67 to 68 between 2044 and 2046, but a review is in progress — earlier dates remain possible
- Your specific State Pension age is at gov.uk/state-pension-age

## Triple lock

Each April, the State Pension increases by the highest of:

(1) CPI inflation in the September before; (2) average earnings growth (May-July triplet); or (3) 2.5%. The current government has committed to the triple lock for the full Parliament. Pension Credit standard minimum guarantee is uprated separately, also by the highest of earnings, prices or 2.5% under current policy.


## Is the State Pension taxable?

Yes — the State Pension counts as income for Income Tax. It's paid gross (with no tax deducted) but is added to other income; many pensioners with the full new State Pension plus a small private pension will pay basic-rate tax.

## Can I defer my State Pension?

Yes — under the new system, deferring increases the pension by 1% for every 9 weeks deferred (about 5.8% a year). Under the old system the rate is much higher (about 10.4% a year, or a lump sum option).

## Will I get the full £241.30?

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.

## Sources

- [GOV.UK — The new State Pension](https://www.gov.uk/new-state-pension)
- [GOV.UK — Check your State Pension forecast](https://www.gov.uk/check-state-pension)
- [GOV.UK — State Pension age](https://www.gov.uk/state-pension-age)

Information only — not regulated financial advice.