State Pension

State Pension age

Historically the State Pension age was 60 for women and 65 for men. This has changed.

It’s now 66 for everyone.

The State Pension age is due to increase to 67 between 2026 and 2028 and to 68 between 2044 and 2046, however the government has announced that the increase towards 68 will be brought forward to include those born on or after 6 April 1970. Visit the government’s website for more information

Basic State Pension rate

For those who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016, the maximum in 2021/22 is £137.60 per week.

In addition, there may be entitlement to earnings related State Second Pension (S2P) formerly State Earnings Related Pension Scheme (SERPS).

You needed 30 qualifying years for a full basic State Pension. A qualifying year is one where either sufficient national insurance was paid or was deemed to have been paid. Visit the government’s website for more information

New State Pension rate

For those who reached State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016, the maximum in 2021/22 is £179.60 per week.

This figure will be reduced for those who have contracted out of the State Second Pension (S2P), formerly State Earnings Related Pension Scheme (SERPS), before 6 April 2016.

35 qualifying years are needed to receive the full New State Pension. A qualifying year is one where either sufficient national insurance has been paid (on earnings above a lower limit of £6,240 for this tax year) or deemed to have been paid.

Transitional rules apply for those who accrued State Pension before 6 April 2016. Visit the government’s website for more information Get a State Pension statement