Claiming your State Pension
Normally, about four months before you reach your State Pension Age (SPA), you will be sent an invitation to claim your state pension. However, it is important not to rely on receiving an invitation. For example, your current address may not be known. But before any state pension becomes payable, it must be claimed using form BR1.
If you do not receive an invitation to claim your state pension, form BR1 can be requested by ringing 0845 300 1084 or downloaded from The Pension Service's website.
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 postpone claiming for at least 12 months, you will also have the option of a cash sum. See section on state pension deferral.
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.
State Pension Age
The SPA for men and women is currently 65 and 60, respectively.
Between 2010 and 2020, the SPA for women will increase to 65 to ensure equality. Women born between 6 April 1950 and 5 April 1955 are affected by this change.
Between 2024 and 2026, 2034 and 2036 and 2044 and 2046, the SPA for both men and women will rise to 66, 67 and 68, respectively. Those born after 6 April 1959 are affected by these changes.
Our SPA calculator will tell you when you'll be able to draw your state pension.
Q & As
- How do I claim?
To claim your State Pension you will need to complete form BR1. Normally, about four months before your state pension age, you will be sent an invitation to make a claim.
- What do I do if I do not receive an invitation to claim?
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If you do receive an invitation to claim, you can request form BR1 by calling 0845 300 1084 or download one from the Pension Service's website.
- Do I need to do anything if I do not want to claim yet?
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If you do not want to claim your state pension you do not have to do anything. Your state pension will automatically be postponed. See section on state pension deferral.
- If I forget to claim, can my pension be backdated?
The maximum period the state pension can be backdated is 12 months. If you are claiming an increase for a dependant, the maximum period it can be backdated is 3 months.
