The state pension is the foundation of most people's retirement income in the UK, yet millions of people have little idea how much they will receive or what they can do to increase it. This guide explains everything clearly.
- How much is the state pension in 2026?
- How do you qualify for the full state pension?
- How to check your state pension forecast
- Filling gaps in your National Insurance record
How much is the state pension in 2026?
The full new state pension for 2026/27 is £11,973 per year, or around £230 per week. This applies to people who reached state pension age after April 2016. Those who reached pension age before that date receive the basic state pension, which is calculated differently.
The state pension age is currently 66 for both men and women, and is due to rise to 67 between 2026 and 2028, and 68 at a later date.
How do you qualify for the full state pension?
To receive the full new state pension, you need 35 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions. A qualifying year is one in which you either paid National Insurance through work, paid voluntary contributions, or received NI credits — for example, while claiming certain benefits, caring for children, or looking after a sick relative.
You need a minimum of 10 qualifying years to receive any state pension at all.
How to check your state pension forecast
You can check your state pension forecast online at gov.uk/check-state-pension using your Government Gateway login. This shows exactly how many qualifying years you have built up, what you are on track to receive, and whether there are gaps in your record you can fill.
Filling gaps in your National Insurance record
If you have gaps in your National Insurance record, you can often fill them by paying voluntary Class 3 NI contributions. The cost of filling a gap is around £824 for a full year, while the increase to your state pension for adding a qualifying year is approximately £342 per year for life. That means you typically break even in under three years — making it one of the best returns available anywhere.
Bottom line
The state pension is a valuable guaranteed income in retirement, but it is rarely enough on its own. Check your forecast, fill any gaps in your NI record if it makes financial sense, and make sure you are also building up private pension savings alongside it.