Overview
- HMRC published research on Monday showing about 12.5% of UK adults — roughly 6.9 million using the cited population figure — have never checked their State Pension forecast.
- The finding comes from a Censuswide survey of 5,206 people carried out between 27 February and 12 March 2026 and released to mark Pension Awareness Week (15–18 September).
- People aged 45 to 54 are the group least likely to have checked their forecast, a critical window when gaps can still be found and, in some cases, corrected.
- The HMRC app and gov.uk forecasts let users view their forecast, spot gaps in their National Insurance record and, if eligible, make voluntary contributions to boost entitlement.
- Pension industry advisers warn the new State Pension generally needs 35 qualifying years for the full amount and gaps can usually be filled only for the previous six tax years, so delaying checks can forfeit topping-up opportunities.