State Pension Forecast: How to Check What You'll Get
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A State Pension forecast tells you how much State Pension you're on track to get, when you can get it, and how you could increase it. Checking is free, takes a few minutes online, and does not commit you to anything. This guide explains how to check it and what to do with the result.
Key points
✓Check for free at gov.uk/check-state-pension, or through the HMRC app
✓It shows your forecast amount, your State Pension age, and your National Insurance record
✓Applying online is the quickest way; you need a GOV.UK One Login or Government Gateway account
✓If you're not reaching State Pension age within 30 days, you can also apply by post or ask for one by phone
✓If it's less than the full amount, the forecast itself shows what would increase it
What your State Pension forecast shows
A State Pension forecast uses your National Insurance record to show:
✓Yes: How much State Pension you could get
✓Yes: When you could get it, based on your State Pension age
✓Yes: Whether you can increase it, and how
It also shows your National Insurance record itself, including any gaps. See our State Pension guide for how the amount is worked out and what a full year is worth.
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Go to gov.uk/check-state-pension. This is the quickest way to get a forecast.
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Sign in
Sign in with your GOV.UK One Login or Government Gateway user ID and password. If you don't have sign in details, you can create them on the spot. You may be asked to prove your identity, usually with photo ID such as a passport or driving licence.
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Read your result
Your forecast, State Pension age, and National Insurance record are shown straight away.
You can also check your forecast through the free HMRC app, without going through the GOV.UK website separately.
If you can't check online
If you'll reach your State Pension age in more than 30 days, you can also:
✓Yes: Fill in the BR19 application form and send it by post
✓Yes: Call the Future Pension Centre, who will post the forecast to you: 0800 731 0175 (or +44 191 218 3600 from outside the UK), Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
If you're already getting your State Pension, or you've already claimed and deferred it, the Future Pension Centre can't help: contact the Pension Service instead (0800 731 0469 if you're in the UK, or the International Pension Centre if you live abroad).
If your forecast is less than you expected
Your forecast itself will usually tell you why, and what would increase it. In general:
✓Yes: You need 35 qualifying National Insurance years for the full new State Pension, and at least 10 to get anything at all
✓Yes: You can check for missing National Insurance credits you may be entitled to, for example for time spent unemployed, ill, or caring for someone
✓Yes: You can pay voluntary contributions to fill gaps in your record
✓Yes: If you were contracted out of the Additional State Pension before April 2016, you may need more than 35 years to reach the full rate
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Frequently asked questions
How do I check my State Pension forecast?
Go to gov.uk/check-state-pension and sign in with a GOV.UK One Login or Government Gateway account, or check through the free HMRC app. It's free and shows your forecast amount, your State Pension age, and your National Insurance record straight away.
Can I get my State Pension forecast without going online?
Yes, if you'll reach your State Pension age in more than 30 days. Fill in the BR19 form and send it by post, or call the Future Pension Centre on 0800 731 0175 and they'll post the forecast to you.
What's the phone number to check my State Pension?
For a forecast, before you've claimed, call the Future Pension Centre on 0800 731 0175. If you're already getting your State Pension, or have claimed and deferred it, call the Pension Service on 0800 731 0469 instead.
Does checking my State Pension forecast cost anything?
No, it's free, whether you check online, through the HMRC app, by post, or by phone.
Why is my State Pension forecast lower than the full amount?
Usually because you have fewer than 35 qualifying National Insurance years, or because you were contracted out of the Additional State Pension before April 2016 and need more than 35 years to reach the full rate. Your forecast shows which applies to you, and whether National Insurance credits or voluntary contributions would help.
Know Your Rights UK. "State Pension Forecast: How to Check What You'll Get." Know Your Rights UK, https://www.knowyourrightsuk.com/benefits/state-pension/forecast