Use this guide at any age, but especially if you have had time out of work, lived abroad or been self-employed. Have your National Insurance number and a rough work history with dates ready.
Step by step
Get your forecast
Use the check your State Pension forecast service on GOV.UK or the HMRC app. It shows how much you could get, when you can get it and whether you can increase it. Save or print the result.
Look at your National Insurance record
Check your National Insurance record for each tax year, which shows full years and years with gaps. You usually need a certain number of qualifying years to get any State Pension and more to get the full amount; check the current rules on GOV.UK. Compare the record with your own work history.
Check for missing credits
You may get National Insurance credits for periods when you were not working, such as claiming Child Benefit for a child under 12, caring for someone or claiming certain benefits. Some credits must be applied for. If a year looks wrong, gather evidence such as old payslips or benefit letters.
Consider voluntary contributions
You may be able to fill some gaps by paying voluntary National Insurance contributions, usually only for recent years. Whether it is worth it depends on your age, your record and your plans. Your forecast shows whether paying could increase your pension.
Get guidance before you pay
Contact the Future Pension Centre to check a payment would actually increase your pension before you pay. Free guidance is available from MoneyHelper, and Pension Wise if you are aged 50 or over and have a defined contribution pension. Keep a note of the call and any reference.
Plan the next steps
Note your State Pension age and put a reminder in your calendar to check your forecast again every year or two. You will not get your State Pension automatically; you must claim it. Think about how it fits with any workplace or personal pensions you have.
Ready-to-use checklist
- National Insurance number found
- Forecast checked and saved
- National Insurance record reviewed
- Gaps compared with work history
- Possible credits identified
- Future Pension Centre contacted before paying
- State Pension age noted
- Reminder set to check again
Practical tips
- Do not pay voluntary contributions until you have confirmed they will increase your pension, as some years may not add anything.
- If you worked abroad, ask the Future Pension Centre how that time could affect your UK State Pension.
- Be wary of anyone who cold calls offering to review your pension; pension scams often start this way.
Common problems
Your record shows a gap for a year when you were working.
Gather payslips, P60s or other proof of employment for that year. Contact HMRC and ask it to investigate and correct the record.
You stayed at home to raise children but have gaps.
Check whether Child Benefit was claimed in your name, as this can give credits. If a partner claimed instead, ask HMRC about transferring credits if you are eligible, or check GOV.UK for other credits.
The forecast says you cannot improve your pension.
Check the explanation given, as you may already be on track for the full amount or have no gaps that can be filled. Consider other ways to save for retirement, and get free guidance from MoneyHelper.
This guide gives general information, not personal legal, financial or medical advice. Rules and prices change, so check the current position with the official service before acting.
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