Planning for retirement is essential, and understanding how much State Pension you will receive at 66 is a crucial part of it.
The UK government provides a State Pension based on your National Insurance (NI) contributions, but the amount you receive may vary depending on factors like your earnings history and voluntary contributions.
In this guide, we’ll break down the latest UK State Pension rates for 2025, eligibility criteria, and how you can increase your retirement income.
What Is the State Pension?
The State Pension is a regular payment from the UK government that provides financial support to eligible individuals when they reach the State Pension age.
It serves as a basic source of income in retirement, but the amount you receive varies based on your National Insurance (NI) record.
Key Features of the State Pension:
- Government-backed: The State Pension is provided by the UK government.
- Based on NI contributions: The amount you receive depends on your National Insurance record.
- Not means-tested: Your income or savings do not affect your eligibility.
- Can be supplemented: Many people combine their State Pension with workplace pensions, private pensions, savings, or other income sources.
Why Is the State Pension Important?
For many retirees, the State Pension forms a crucial part of their retirement income, helping cover basic living expenses.
However, it is not always enough to maintain a comfortable lifestyle, which is why additional savings, workplace pensions, and private pensions play a key role in financial security after retirement.
What Are the Eligibility Criteria for the New State Pension?
Who Can Claim the New State Pension?
You can claim the new State Pension if you:
- Are a man born on or after 6 April 1951.
- Are a woman born on or after 6 April 1953.
- Have at least 10 qualifying years on your National Insurance record.
Your National Insurance Record
Your State Pension amount is based on your NI record, which includes:
- Years worked while paying NI contributions.
- Years receiving NI credits (e.g., carers, unemployed, disabled individuals).
- Years paid through voluntary NI contributions.
You can check your State Pension forecast online to see what you might receive.
Your Spouse or Civil Partner’s Pension
- The new State Pension is based on your own NI record.
- However, in some cases, you might inherit pension benefits from a spouse or civil partner.
How to Claim Your State Pension at 66?
You do not get your State Pension automatically. You must apply for it when you reach the eligible age.
Documents Required to Apply
- Your National Insurance number.
- The date of your most recent marriage, civil partnership, or divorce.
- Dates of any time spent living or working abroad.
- Bank or building society details for payments.
- If applying online, you need the invitation code from the government’s pension letter.
Ways to Apply
- Online: Through the UK Government’s pension portal.
- By Phone: Call the Pension Service.
- By Post: Request a State Pension claim form and mail it to Freepost DWP Pensions Service 3 (no stamp required).
If you’re applying from Northern Ireland or abroad, the process may be different.
How Much State Pension Will I Get at 66?
The amount of State Pension you receive at age 66 depends on your National Insurance (NI) contributions.
- The full new State Pension (for those reaching pension age after April 2016) is £221.20 per week (£11,502.40 per year from April 2024).
- The basic State Pension (for those who retired before April 2016) is £169.50 per week (£8,814 per year).
- Your pension may be taxable depending on your total income.
Who Gets the New State Pension?
- If you are a man born on or after 6 April 1951 or a woman born on or after 6 April 1953, you qualify for the new State Pension.
- If you were born before these dates, you will receive the basic State Pension and may qualify for Additional State Pension.
Who Qualifies for the Full State Pension?
To receive the full amount, you need a specific number of qualifying years of National Insurance contributions.
For the Basic State Pension (Retired Before April 2016)
- Men born between 1945 and 1951: Need 30 qualifying years.
- Men born before 1945: Need 44 qualifying years.
- Women born between 1950 and 1953: Need 30 qualifying years.
- Women born before 1950: Need 39 qualifying years.
If you have fewer than the required years, your pension amount is reduced.
What Counts as a National Insurance Qualifying Year?
A qualifying year includes:
- Working and paying National Insurance.
- Receiving NI credits: for example, if you were:
- Unemployed but actively seeking work.
- A parent or carer receiving Child Benefit.
- Unable to work due to illness or disability.
- Paying voluntary NI contributions to fill gaps in your record.
When Can You Get More Than the Full Basic State Pension?
You might receive more than the full pension if:
- You qualify for Additional State Pension (if you retired before 2016).
- You delayed (deferred) your State Pension.
Deferring increases your pension by 1% for every 5 weeks you delay. This means if you delay for one year, your weekly payments increase by nearly 5.8%.
Annual Increases in the State Pension
The State Pension increases every year under the Triple Lock System, which ensures that pensions rise by the highest of:
- Average wage growth in Great Britain.
- Inflation (Consumer Prices Index – CPI).
- A minimum of 2.5%.
This guarantees that pensions keep up with living costs.
When Will You Be Paid Your State Pension?
Once you claim, you’ll receive a letter about your State Pension payments.
- The first payment is made within 5 weeks of your chosen start date.
- Regular payments are made every 4 weeks.
Payment Day Schedule:
| Last 2 Digits of NI Number | Payment Day |
| 00 – 19 | Monday |
| 20 – 39 | Tuesday |
| 40 – 59 | Wednesday |
| 60 – 79 | Thursday |
| 80 – 99 | Friday |
If your payment date falls on a bank holiday, you may receive it earlier.
How National Insurance Contributions Affect Your Pension?
Your National Insurance (NI) contributions play a crucial role in determining how much State Pension you will receive. The more qualifying years you have on your NI record, the higher your pension entitlement.
How Many National Insurance Years Do You Need?
- 10 years: The minimum to receive any State Pension.
- 35 years: Required for the full new State Pension (£221.20 per week in 2024).
- Less than 35 years: You’ll receive a proportionate amount.
What Counts as a National Insurance Qualifying Year?
A year qualifies if, during that period, you were:
- Working and paying NI contributions.
- Receiving NI credits (e.g., for unemployment, illness, or caring responsibilities).
- Making voluntary NI contributions to fill gaps.
What If You Have Gaps in Your NI Record?
If you have gaps in your record, you may receive less than the full State Pension. However, you can:
- Make voluntary NI contributions to boost your pension.
- Check your NI record to see if you are eligible for additional credits.
Can You Increase Your State Pension?
Yes! If you do not qualify for the full amount, you can:
- Continue working and paying NI contributions until retirement.
- Pay voluntary contributions to fill missing years.
- Defer your pension to increase your weekly payments.
Your NI record directly affects your retirement income, so it’s important to check your contributions and make sure you maximize your pension entitlement.
State Pension and Cost of Living: Will It Be Enough?
The State Pension is designed to provide a basic level of income in retirement, but is it enough to cover everyday expenses?
How Much is the State Pension Worth in 2025?
- £221.20 per week for those on the new State Pension.
- £11,502.40 per year in total.
While this provides some financial security, it may not be enough to cover all living expenses, especially with rising costs.
What Are the Average Living Costs for Retirees?
The Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA) estimates that in 2025, retirees need:
- £14,400 per year for a basic lifestyle.
- £31,300 per year for a comfortable retirement (including holidays and leisure activities).
Since the full State Pension is below these amounts, many retirees need additional income from:
- Workplace or private pensions.
- Personal savings and investments.
- Pension Credit (if eligible for extra financial support).
How Can You Supplement Your State Pension?
If the State Pension alone is not enough, you can:
- Continue working past retirement age (you will not pay NI after State Pension age).
- Claim Pension Credit if you have a low income.
- Invest in a workplace or private pension for extra financial security.
While the State Pension is a valuable foundation, it is often not enough on its own. Planning ahead and exploring other income sources will help ensure a comfortable retirement.
How to Increase Your Retirement Income?
1. Adding to Your National Insurance Record
Each qualifying year after 6 April 2016 adds to your pension, up to the full rate of £221.20 per week.
Ways to add qualifying years:
- Work and pay NI contributions until retirement.
- Receive NI credits (e.g., carers, unemployed individuals).
- Make voluntary NI contributions to fill gaps.
2. Workplace or Personal Pensions
- You can contribute to a workplace pension or private pension.
- Private pensions offer tax relief and extra savings options.
3. Working After State Pension Age
- You can keep working after reaching State Pension age.
- If you continue working, you stop paying NI contributions, but your salary remains taxable.
4. Deferring (Delaying) Your State Pension
- Your pension increases if you delay claiming.
- For every 9 weeks of deferral, your weekly payments increase by just under 1%.
- A 1-year deferral increases your pension by nearly 5.8%.
5. Pension Credit & Additional Benefits
If you are on a low income, you may be eligible for Pension Credit, which provides:
- Extra financial support.
- Help with housing costs.
- Free NHS dental treatment and heating bills assistance.
Other Benefits for Pensioners
- Attendance Allowance: If you have a disability and require help.
- Winter Fuel Payment: Helps cover heating costs in winter.
Conclusion
The amount of State Pension you receive at 66 depends on your National Insurance record. The new full State Pension is £221.20 per week, but you can increase your pension through voluntary contributions or deferring payments.
To maximize your retirement income, consider checking your State Pension forecast, working longer, or applying for additional benefits. For more details, visit Gov.uk or contact the Pension Service.
FAQs
Can I get the State Pension if I have never worked?
If you have at least 10 years of National Insurance (NI) contributions or credits, you may qualify for a partial State Pension. If you don’t have enough years, you may be able to pay voluntary NI contributions.
What happens if I retire abroad?
You can still receive your State Pension overseas, but whether it increases annually depends on the country. Pensions only rise in certain countries, like those in the European Economic Area (EEA) and countries with a UK social security agreement.
Is my State Pension taxed?
Yes, the State Pension is taxable, but tax is only deducted if your total income exceeds the personal allowance (£12,570 in 2024/25). If your total income is below this, you won’t pay tax.
Can I inherit my spouse’s State Pension?
In some cases, you may be able to inherit extra pension benefits from a deceased spouse or civil partner. This applies mainly to Additional State Pension (for those on the basic State Pension system before 2016).
Will the State Pension age increase in the future?
Yes, the State Pension age is rising. It is currently 66, but will increase to 67 between 2026 and 2028 and is expected to reach 68 in the 2040s.
What is the Triple Lock, and how does it affect my pension?
The Triple Lock ensures the State Pension increases yearly by the highest of wage growth, inflation, or 2.5%. This protects pensioners from the rising cost of living.
Can I work and claim the State Pension at the same time?
Yes, you can work while receiving the State Pension without affecting your payments. However, your earnings may be subject to tax, depending on your total income.