Starting June 2025, the UK State Pension is getting a helpful bump—rising to £230.25 per week. This increase comes as part of the government’s effort to help retirees keep up with the rising cost of living. While it sounds like great news (and it is), not everyone will receive this full amount. Why? Because your pension amount depends on a few key things like your National Insurance (NI) record, your age, and your work history.
So, how do you know if you’ll get the full amount—or if there’s something more you can do to boost it? Let’s break it all down.
Basics
The State Pension is a weekly payment from the UK government for those who’ve reached retirement age. There are two types: the Basic State Pension and the New State Pension. If you reached retirement age after 6 April 2016, you’re under the New State Pension system, and this guide is for you.
Here’s a snapshot of what you need to know:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full New State Pension (2025/26) | £230.25 per week (£11,973 per year) |
| Basic State Pension (2025/26) | £176.45 per week |
| Minimum Qualifying Years | 10 years of NI contributions or credits |
| Years for Full Amount | 35 years |
| Increase Mechanism | Triple Lock (4.1% earnings-based) |
| State Pension Age | 66 (rising to 67 between 2026 and 2028) |
Lock
Ever heard of the “Triple Lock”? It’s how your pension gets its annual raise. It increases based on whichever of the following is highest:
- Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation
- Average earnings growth
- 2.5%
For June 2025, the 4.1% boost is thanks to earnings growth. So, your pension keeps up with the real-world economy, and your spending power stays intact.
Eligibility
Not sure if you’ll get the full £230.25? Here’s what you need:
- Born after 6 June 1951 (men) or 6 June 1953 (women)
- At least 35 qualifying years of NI contributions
- No long-term history of being “contracted out” of the State Pension
You still qualify for some pension with just 10 years on your NI record, but less than the full amount.
Years
So, what counts as a qualifying year? It’s not just about working a full-time job. You qualify if you:
- Paid NI through employment or self-employment
- Got NI credits for being unemployed, a parent, a carer, or on certain benefits
- Were on maternity leave or receiving Universal Credit
Even if you didn’t work, credits might’ve kept your NI record going. And the good news? You can sometimes backdate them.
Gaps
Not everyone gets the full pension—even if they worked most of their life. Why? Here are the common reasons:
Contracted Out
Before 2016, many people were “contracted out” of the additional State Pension—particularly public sector workers and those in certain private pensions. If that was you, you might receive less.
Contribution Gaps
Here’s how people miss out on qualifying years:
- Low-income or part-time jobs
- Time off for raising kids
- Living abroad
- Not claiming NI-credit-qualifying benefits
The fix? Voluntary Class 3 NI contributions. They let you fill in those gaps and boost your pension.
Forecast
Wondering what your future pension looks like? Use the State Pension Forecast tool on the UK government’s website. It tells you:
- Your estimated weekly amount
- Your retirement age
- If you can increase your pension
Definitely worth five minutes of your time.
Boost
Can you increase your pension income? Yes — and in many cases, you should.
Voluntary Contributions
You can buy back up to 10 missing years of NI contributions. And until June 2025, some people can even go back to 2006!
Each qualifying year adds around £5.55 per week or £288.60 per year to your pension. Over 20 years, that’s an extra £5,700+. So even if it costs you a few hundred pounds upfront, it’s often money well spent.
Advice
If you’ve got a complex situation (like being contracted out), speaking to a pensions advisor or using services like MoneyHelper is a smart move.
Claiming
Don’t wait for the money to magically appear. You need to apply for your pension. The government will usually send you a letter about four months before you hit pension age.
You can apply:
- Online: via the “Get Your State Pension” portal
- Phone: 0800 731 7898
- Post: Request and send back the form via GOV.UK
Have your NI number, ID, and bank info ready.
Whether you’re approaching retirement or just planning ahead, knowing how your State Pension works—and how to make the most of it—can make a huge difference. With the new weekly rate of £230.25 on the table, there’s never been a better time to check your records, fill the gaps, and secure the future you deserve.
FAQs
How much is the 2025 UK State Pension?
It rises to £230.25 per week from June 2025.
What is the minimum NI years needed?
You need at least 10 years to qualify for any pension.
What are Class 3 contributions?
Voluntary payments to fill NI gaps and boost your pension.
How can I check my pension forecast?
Use the ‘Check State Pension Forecast’ tool on GOV.UK.
When should I apply for State Pension?
About 4 months before you reach retirement age.
