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 £230.25?

Only if you have 35 qualifying years AND you reached State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016 with no 'contracted-out' history reducing your starting amount. The gov.uk forecast tool shows the actual figure for any individual.

Pensions

UK State Pension explained (2025/26)

In short. The new full State Pension is £230.25 a week (£11,973 a year) in 2025/26, paid to people reaching State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016 with 35 qualifying years of National Insurance. State Pension age is 66 and rises to 67 between 2026 and 2028. Forecasts and NI records are on gov.uk/check-state-pension.

The State Pension is uprated each April by the 'triple lock' — the highest of CPI, average earnings growth, or 2.5%. The 2025/26 increase was 4.1% (earnings). A new full pension of £230.25/week is worth about £11,973/year, very close to the £12,570 Personal Allowance.

Last reviewed: 26 May 2026Next review by: 26 November 20263 min read

Qualifying years

For the new State Pension (people reaching State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016), 35 qualifying years are needed for the full rate and at least 10 years for any pension at all. A qualifying year is one in which the person earned enough to pay (or be credited with) Class 1, 2 or 3 National Insurance.

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

Currently 66 for both men and women
Rising from 66 to 67 between May 2026 and March 2028 (gradual transition by 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.

FAQ

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 £230.25?: Only if you have 35 qualifying years AND you reached State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016 with no 'contracted-out' history reducing your starting amount. The gov.uk forecast tool shows the actual figure for any individual.

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