What is the UK State Pension?
The new State Pension requires 35 qualifying years of National Insurance for the full amount, and a minimum of 10 years to receive anything at all. Below 35 years you receive a proportional amount.
State Pension age is currently 66, rising to 67 between 2026 and 2028 and to 68 thereafter. The pension is protected by the triple lock, rising by the highest of earnings growth, inflation or 2.5%.
Formula & worked example
Minimum 10 years to qualify at all
Worked example: 22 years accrued plus 13 more to come reaches the full 35 years, giving the complete £241.30 a week for 2026–27 — about £12,548 a year. Stopping at 22 years would give only £151.67 a week, roughly £4,661 a year less for life.
How to use this uk state pension calculator
- Check your NI record on gov.uk — it shows qualifying years precisely.
- Add the years you still expect to work or receive NI credits.
- Years caring for children under 12 or claiming certain benefits usually count.
- Check the cost of buying missing years — often outstanding value.
Smart tips
- Buying voluntary Class 3 contributions costs £18.40 a week in 2026–27 — about £957 for a full year — and adds roughly £358 a year to your pension for life, so it typically pays back in under three years.
- Check your record for gaps well before State Pension age; there are deadlines for filling older years.
- Child Benefit claims give NI credits for a parent at home with children under 12 — claim even if you opt out of payment.
- The State Pension is taxable income, though it is paid without tax deducted.
- Deferring the State Pension increases it by about 5.8% for each full year deferred.
Frequently asked questions
How many years do I need for a full State Pension?
35 qualifying years of National Insurance for the full new State Pension, with a minimum of 10 years to receive anything.
Can I buy missing NI years?
Yes, through voluntary Class 3 contributions at £18.40 a week for 2026–27 — roughly £957 for a full year — which add about £358 a year to your pension for life.
What is the triple lock?
A guarantee that the State Pension rises each year by the highest of average earnings growth, CPI inflation, or 2.5%.
Is the State Pension taxable?
Yes, it counts as taxable income, though it is paid gross. Tax is usually collected through other income via your tax code.
Want the theory behind the numbers? Read our UK pension guides on the Money Blog.
Written by Gurjeet Singh, Sharpen Solutions. Last reviewed 8 Sep 2026. How we check these numbers.