How to Apply for the State Pension

How to Apply for the State Pension

The UK State Pension is not paid automatically. Even if you have reached the qualifying age and built up enough National Insurance contributions, you still need to apply for it. Fortunately, the process is simple and can be done online, by phone, or by post.

This article explains how to apply for your State Pension, when you should apply, and what documents or details you will need to complete your claim.

When can you apply for the State Pension?

You can apply for the State Pension once you are within four months of reaching State Pension age. You should not apply earlier than this, as the application will not be accepted.

As of the 2024 to 2025 tax year, the State Pension age is 66 for both men and women. It is due to rise to 67 in the coming years, so it is important to check your own State Pension age if you are unsure.

You can find your State Pension age using the government’s tool at www.gov.uk/state-pension-age

How to apply

There are three main ways to apply for your State Pension:

1. Apply online

The quickest and easiest way is through the official government website. You will need a Government Gateway account to use this service.

Steps:

• Visit www.gov.uk/get-state-pension

• Sign in with your Government Gateway or create a new account

• Complete the online application form

• Submit your claim

This service is available seven days a week and can be completed at your own pace. You will receive confirmation once your claim has been submitted.

2. Apply by phone

You can apply by calling the Pension Service:

Telephone: 0800 731 7898
Textphone: 0800 731 7339
Monday to Friday: 8am to 6pm

This option is useful if you have difficulty using a computer or prefer to speak to someone directly.

3. Apply by post

You can request a paper application form if needed. To do this, contact the Pension Service and ask for the BR1 form. Complete it and return it to the address provided.

Applying by post takes longer, so it is best to use the online or phone service if possible.

What you need to apply

To complete your State Pension application, you will need:

• Your National Insurance number

• The date you wish to start receiving your pension (this can be from your pension age or later)

• Your bank or building society account details

• Details of any periods spent living or working abroad

• Your Government Gateway login if applying online

You do not need to provide proof of identity unless requested. Most details can be verified automatically through government records.

When will payments begin?

Your State Pension payments will usually start within five weeks of reaching State Pension age, or five weeks after your application if you apply later.

The pension is paid:

• Every four weeks

• Directly into your bank or building society account

• In arrears (this means your first payment covers the previous four weeks)

You can choose to delay or defer your pension if you do not want to start claiming it immediately. This can increase the amount you receive later on.

What happens if you do not apply?

If you do not apply for your State Pension, you will not receive any payments. There is no automatic enrolment, even if you have a full National Insurance record.

You can delay your claim and apply at any time after you reach pension age. Your entitlement will be backdated to the date you apply, not to when you became eligible, unless you provide a valid reason for the delay.

Final thoughts

Applying for your State Pension is straightforward, but it is essential to take action when the time comes. You can apply online, by phone, or by post from four months before your State Pension age. Make sure you have your National Insurance number and bank details ready and use the official GOV.UK services to avoid scams.

If you are unsure about your entitlement or need help completing the application, you can contact the Pension Service or speak to an independent adviser.