Overview

• Starting in early 2026, those born on or after March 6, 1961 must wait until age 67 to claim their first State Pension, with the change fully phased in by April 2028.
• State Pension is not paid automatically at retirement and must be claimed, or payments will be delayed.
• Claimants need at least ten qualifying years of National Insurance contributions to receive any State Pension benefits.
• Around 35 qualifying years of contributions are required to obtain the full New State Pension, currently £230.25 per week.
• Deferring claims boosts weekly payments by about 1% for every nine weeks deferred, equating to just under 5.8% over a year.