Overview

• The full weekly rate of the New State Pension is £230.25, typically requiring around 35 qualifying years, with those who were contracted out often needing more.
• You need at least 10 qualifying years on your National Insurance record to receive any State Pension, and the years do not have to be consecutive.
• A qualifying year is earned when you are employed and paid over £242 a week by one employer or when self‑employed and paying NI, and some earnings between £123 and £242 may still count.
• You can request a State Pension forecast and an NI statement from HMRC, and you may be able to fill gaps with NI credits or voluntary contributions; some people can still receive the full amount despite gaps.
• The State Pension age is currently 66 and is scheduled to rise to 67 between 2026 and 2028, according to the coverage.