The age when one gets the State Pension depends on the individual's date of birth and the current rules for State Pension age. As of now, the State Pension age is generally 66 years old for both men and women but will increase to 67 starting from May 6, 2026, for people born on or after April 1960. The State Pension is not received automatically upon reaching this age; a claim must be made to start receiving payments. To qualify for the State Pension, a person must have a minimum of 10 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions or credits. For the full new State Pension, 35 qualifying years are typically needed. The qualifying years are based on working and paying National Insurance, receiving National Insurance credits during periods such as unemployment or illness, or paying voluntary contributions. In summary:
- State Pension age: Usually 66 years currently, rising to 67 on May 6, 2026, for those born in or after April 1960.
- Must claim to receive State Pension; it is not automatic.
- Must have at least 10 qualifying National Insurance years to get any State Pension.
- Full State Pension requires 35 qualifying years for the new system.
The exact date one can get the State Pension can be checked using official government tools based on date of birth and National Insurance record. Payment is made every 4 weeks after claiming, not automatically at retirement age, and the first payment comes within 5 weeks of claim start date.
