You will receive your UK state pension when you reach your designated State Pension age. For most people, this age is currently 66 for both men and women, but it is gradually increasing to 67 and eventually to 68 for those born later, according to government schedules.
When is your State Pension age?
- If you were born before April 6, 1960, you can expect to claim your State Pension at age 66.
- For people born between April 6, 1960, and March 5, 1961, the age is gradually rising toward 67.
- For those born after April 5, 1961, the pension age may be 67 or 68, depending on the exact date of birth and ongoing legislative adjustments.
How to claim and payment schedule
You need to actively claim your State Pension; it is not paid automatically. Typically, you will receive an invitation letter around 4 months before reaching your pension age, and you can start your claim then.
Once claimed, the pension is usually paid every 4 weeks, into a bank or other account of your choice. The first payment is typically made within 5 weeks of claiming, and the day of payment depends on your National Insurance number, with specific days assigned to last two digits of that number.
Summary
- Claiming: You need to claim your pension, usually about 4 months before reaching pension age.
- Payment frequency: Every 4 weeks.
- First payment: Within 5 weeks after claiming.
- Payment day: Based on your National Insurance number.
For a personalized estimate and exact date, you can check your State Pension age using the online calculator provided by PensionBee , or check your specific circumstances with the UK government or pension services.
