State Pension – check your forecast and claim it (it is not automatic)

You will not get your State Pension automatically – you have to claim it. Check your forecast on GOV.UK to see how much you could get, when you can get it and whether you can fill gaps in your National Insurance record.

Deadline

No fixed deadline

Last checked

Checked against the official source: 20 October 2026

What if you miss the deadline? If you do not claim at State Pension age, your State Pension is automatically deferred. You can claim later and may get extra State Pension or a one-off payment for the time you deferred.

The State Pension is paid from your State Pension age, which is regularly reviewed. You need to claim it. Before you reach that age, check your forecast so you have time to fill any gaps in your National Insurance record.

How to do it

1. Check your State Pension age with the calculator on GOV.UK.
2. Sign in to the Check your State Pension forecast service to see how much you could get and if you can increase it.
3. If there are gaps, check if you can pay voluntary National Insurance contributions.
4. Claim online with the invitation code from your letter. If you reach State Pension age in the next 3 months and have no letter, request a code online.
5. You can also phone the Pension Service to claim if you reach State Pension age in the next 4 months.

Common questions

Is the State Pension paid automatically?

No. GOV.UK says you will not get your new State Pension automatically – you have to claim it.

What happens if I do not claim my State Pension straight away?

It automatically defers. When you claim, you can usually choose a one-off payment or increased regular payments. Extra payments from deferring could be taxed.

Can I check my forecast if I already get my State Pension?

No. You cannot use the forecast service if you already get your State Pension or have deferred claiming it.

Official source: gov.uk (opens in a new tab)

This information is not legal or tax advice.