How to claim your UK State Pension

State Pensions can be claimed in the UK and abroad, providing that you qualify when you reach State Pension age.

Your eligibility and the amount of State Pension you receive is based on the number of ‘qualifying years’ of National Insurance (NI) contributions you have.

To qualify, you need to have made at least ten years of NI contributions. However, to receive the maximum amount, you will need to have a minimum of 35 years of full contributions.

The Government has a top-up scheme which allows you to fill in any NI contribution gaps by making payments. You can check your NI record and find out how much State Pension you could get by visiting the government website.

For those who qualify, there are two different systems for claiming a State Pension. When you were born will determine which system you use.

You will qualify for the older system (basic State Pension) if you are:

• A man born on or before 5 April 1951
• A woman born on or before 5 April 1953

Those born after those dates will qualify the new State Pension. For more information about the basic State Pension or new State Pension system, please visit the UK Government website.