How Do You Claim?

The state pension is administered and paid by the Pension Service.

Normally, about four months before you reach your State Pension Age (SPA), you will be sent a claim pack in the post by the Pension Service. This pack will provide information about your options and ways that you can claim.

If you do not receive an invitation to claim your state pension (maybe because the Pension Service does not have your current address), you should contact their claim line on 0800 731 7898.

When claiming your State Pension, the maximum period it can be backdated for is 12 months. If you are claiming an increase for a dependant, it cannot be backdated for more than 3 months.

After claiming, you will be sent details on how your state pension has been calculated and what to do if you do not agree with how it was calculated.

If you are eligible for a higher rate pension at age 80, you do not have to claim. The higher rate should be paid automatically.

Deferring

You do not have to claim your State Pension at your SPA.  You can choose to defer payment.

If you decide not to claim your State Pension, you can receive a pension at a higher rate at the time you eventually do decide to claim. If you put off claiming continuously for at least 12 months, you will also have the option of a lump sum.

You can read more about State Pension deferral by clicking here.

State Pension Age

The State Pension Age (SPA) is the earliest age you can draw your State Pension.

Click here for detailed information about the SPA.

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