How UK State Pension Works

The State Pension is part of the United Kingdom Government's pension arrangements, and is an entitlement to all Brits (whether you live in the UK or not).

Benefits vary depending on the age of the individual and their contribution record towards national insurance. 

Anyone can make a claim, provided they have a minimum number of qualifying years of contributions. This will range between 30 and 35 years depending on which State Pension you are trying to claim. 

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1. Basic State Pension

• Payable to men born before 6 April 1951 and women born before 6 April 1953

• 30 years of national insurance contributions are required to qualify for maximum pension benefit

• Maximum payable amount is £134.25 per week (for 2020 - 2021 tax year)

  • Equivelant to £6,981.00​ per year

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​2. New State Pension

• Payable to men born on or after 6 April 1951 and women born on or after 6 April 1953

• 35 years of national insurance contributions are required to qualify for maximum pension benefit

• Maximum payable amount is £175.20 per week (for 2020 - 2021 tax year)

  • Equivelant to £9,110.40​ per year​