State Pension age

The State Pension is an existing benefit that forms part of the United Kingdom Government's pension arrangements. Benefits vary depending on the age of the individual and their contribution record. Currently anyone can make a claim, provided they have a minimum number of qualifying years of contributions.

People who reached state pension age before 6 April 2016 receive the pre-2016 or "old" State Pension, which consists of a basic flat-rate amount and an additional earnings-related pension that reflects a person's earnings history. People who reach state pension age on or after that date receive the New State Pension, a single-tier amount intended to be simpler than the previous system. Under the new rules most people need at least ten qualifying years on their National Insurance record to receive any State Pension and 35 qualifying years to receive the full new State Pension, although transitional rules and past periods of contracting out mean that many individuals get more or less than the headline rate.