What is the State Pension?

The State Pension is a payment from the government that people receive when they reach State Pension age. The amount and age varies, and it is designed to give people a basic income in retirement.

Most of us will get the State Pension at our state pension age. That varies depending on your date of birth. The State Pension is designed to give a basic income in retirement but our research shows that only half of pensioners claiming the new State Pension got the full amount in 2023, with 150,000 getting less than £100 a week.

Explore the State Pension in greater detail with our guides and tools and see what it means for your retirement.

How the State Pension works

Our Consumer Finance Specialist Sarah Pennells explains what the State Pension actually is and how it works.

State Pension guide

Read our guide on how the State Pension works, including guidance on how to claim it and what to do if you’re not on track.

Download guide (PDF)  

State Pension forecast

Find out how much State Pension you're on track to get and why in our guide.

Check my forecast  

State Pension age increase

The State Pension age is increasing from 66 to 67 between 2026 - 2028. Check how it affects you and your retirement income.

Read the guide  

Pension Credit

Learn what Pension Credit is, see if you could qualify for it, and what you might be able to get if you’re eligible.

Read about Pension Credit  

Deferring your State Pension

Discover what happens when you delay your State Pensions, including how your payments can increase and the key things to consider.

Learn about deferring  

More State Pension support