A State Pension forecast shows how much State Pension you could get, when you can get it, whether you can increase it and how, and your National Insurance record. GOV.UK says applying online is the quickest way to get a forecast, and you can also check your State Pension forecast through the HMRC app.
Key points
✓Check at gov.uk/check-state-pension, or through the HMRC app
✓It shows how much State Pension you could get, when you can get it, whether you can increase it and how, and your National Insurance record
✓You need to sign in, and if you do not already have sign in details you will be able to create them
✓If you will reach State Pension age in more than 30 days, you can also apply by post or ask the Future Pension Centre to post a forecast
✓If the amount is less than you expected, check your National Insurance record for gaps that stop some years counting
What your State Pension forecast shows
GOV.UK says the forecast service shows how much State Pension you could get, when you can get it, if you can increase it and how you could increase it, for example by paying to fill gaps. The forecast shows:
How much State Pension you could get
When you can get it
Whether you can increase it, and how you could increase it
You cannot use this service if you are already getting your State Pension or if you have delayed (deferred) claiming it. The State Pension age is regularly reviewed, so the results of this tool may change in the future.
How to check your forecast online
1
Go to the official checker
Go to gov.uk/check-state-pension. GOV.UK says applying online is the quickest way to get a forecast.
2
Sign in
You will need to sign in to use this service. If you do not already have sign in details, you will be able to create them. You will be told when you sign in if you need to prove your identity, which normally involves using photo ID like a passport or driving licence.
3
Read your result
The forecast shows how much State Pension you could get, when you can get it, if you can increase it and how, and your National Insurance record.
You can also check your State Pension forecast through the HMRC app.
If you can't check online
If you'll reach your State Pension age in more than 30 days, you can also:
Fill in the BR19 application form and send it by post
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 are already getting your State Pension, or you have delayed claiming it, GOV.UK says to contact the Pension Service if you are in the UK or the International Pension Centre if you live abroad. The Pension Service telephone number is 0800 731 0469, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
If your forecast is less than you expected
GOV.UK says your State Pension amount depends on your National Insurance record, and could be different depending on whether you were contracted out before 2016, the number of National Insurance qualifying years you have, and whether you paid into the Additional State Pension before 2016.
You need 35 qualifying National Insurance years for the full new State Pension, and at least 10 to get anything at all
You can check your National Insurance record online to see if gaps in contributions or credits mean some years do not count towards your State Pension
Check if you are eligible for National Insurance credits before deciding to pay voluntary contributions
You may be able to pay voluntary contributions to fill gaps and top up your State Pension, but they do not always increase it, for example if you were contracted out
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
These rules apply if you are a man born on or after 6 April 1951 or a woman born on or after 6 April 1953, and GOV.UK says that if you were born before, you will get the basic State Pension instead. GOV.UK says a qualifying year is one in which you were working and made National Insurance contributions, getting National Insurance credits (for example if you were unemployed, ill or a parent or carer), or paying voluntary National Insurance contributions. See our State Pension guide for the full rates and how each of these works.
Can I get my State Pension forecast without going online?
If you will reach your State Pension age in more than 30 days, GOV.UK says you can also fill in the BR19 application form and send it by post, or call the Future Pension Centre, who will post the forecast to you. The Future Pension Centre telephone number is 0800 731 0175 (or +44 191 218 3600 from outside the UK), Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
What's the phone number to check my State Pension?
The Future Pension Centre telephone number is 0800 731 0175 (or +44 191 218 3600 from outside the UK), Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. If you are already getting your State Pension, or you have delayed claiming it, GOV.UK says to contact the Pension Service if you are in the UK or the International Pension Centre if you live abroad. The Pension Service telephone number is 0800 731 0469, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
Can I check my State Pension forecast if I already get my State Pension?
You cannot use this service if you are already getting your State Pension or if you have delayed (deferred) claiming it. If you are already getting your State Pension, or you have delayed claiming it, GOV.UK says to contact the Pension Service if you are in the UK or the International Pension Centre if you live abroad.
Why is my State Pension forecast lower than the full amount?
GOV.UK says your State Pension amount depends on your National Insurance record, and could be different depending on whether you were contracted out before 2016, the number of National Insurance qualifying years you have, and whether you paid into the Additional State Pension before 2016. You can check your National Insurance record online to see if gaps in contributions or credits mean some years do not count towards your State Pension.
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