UK State Pension explained (2026/27)
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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.
Quick answer: Full new State Pension amount →
Content updated: 3 min read
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.
Common questions
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.