Claiming State Pension

The Pensions Advisory Service

You usually have to claim your State Pension - it isn't normally paid automatically, unless you are receiving certain benefits before you reach State Pension age. You can claim your state pension even if you are still working.

Claiming your State Pension

You usually have to claim your State Pension - it isn't normally paid automatically, unless you are receiving certain benefits before you reach State Pension age. You can claim your state pension even if you are still working.

How do I claim my State Pension?

Normally, about four months before you reach your State Pension age (SPA), you will be sent a letter from the Pension Service telling you what to do. If you haven't got a letter three months before you reach SPA, and you want to claim your State Pension, there are 3 ways to do this.

1. Claim State Pension online

It’s easy and secure to claim your State Pension online, with helpful tips each step of the way. It’s available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can claim at a time that’s best for you.Please visit: www.gov.uk/claim-state-pension-online

If you need help claiming online please contact:

0800 169 0154Welsh: 0800 169 0253Textphone: 0800 169 0254Email: dwponline.helpdesk@dwp.gsi.gov.uk.

2. Phone: 0800 731 7898 or Textphone: 0800 731 7339

3. Form: You can also claim by form. Please click here for more information

Phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

Deferring your State Pension

You don't have to take your State Pension at your State Pension Age. You can put off taking it and this can increase the amount you will get when you do claim it.

After claiming, you will be sent details on how your State Pension has been calculated and what to do if you do not agree with how it was calculated.

If you are eligible for a higher rate pension at age 80, you do not have to claim. The higher rate should be paid automatically.

Quick Facts

  • You usually have to claim your State Pension - it isn't normally paid automatically, unless you are receiving certain benefits before you reach State Pension age.
  • You can claim your state pension even if you are still working.
  • Normally, you should start to claim your State Pension about four months before you reach your State Pension age (SPA), you will be sent a letter from the Pension Service telling you what to do.
  • You don't have to take your State Pension at your State Pension Age. You can put off taking it and this can increase the amount you will get when you do claim it.