If you are of working age and are more than four months away from State Pension age, there are easy ways to get a State Retirement forecast. A forecast lets you know in today's money how much basic and additional State Pension you have already earned. It also sets out what you can expect if you work until State Pension age and any actions you might take.
You can request a forecast by phoning the State Pension Forecasting Team on 0845 3000 168. Lines are open 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and Saturday 9am to 1pm (local rate). If you have hearing or speech difficulties and a textphone, call textphone 0845 3000 169. You can also apply or get a form on-line (external link) via the Pension Service website.
State Pension age is 65 for men. From 6 April 2020, the State Pension age for women will also be 65. This change for women will start gradually from 2010. Women born on or before 5 April 1950 will not be affected by the change and can still claim their State Pension at 60. Women born on or after 6 April 1955 will have a State Pension age of 65.
If you choose to delay taking your State Retirement Pension by at least a year, you can now take a lump sum payment or receive higher weekly pension payments when you finally retire. Doing this is complicated and you need to think carefully about the options you have. You can get information about deferring your pension (external link) from the Pension Service website. You can also get a free leaflet called State Pension Deferral by phoning 0845 7 31 32 33 or textphone 0845 60 40 210.
If you are already getting your State Retirement Pension and want to do some paid work, your earnings do not affect your pension. But, earning can affect benefits and tax credits that are based on your weekly income so please get advice.
For more information about the State Pension and other matters affecting you when you retire, please see the Pension Service website (external link).
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Information Provider:
Manchester Advice
Date Written:
15 September 2006
This information is for guidance only and is not an authoritative statement on the law. Please read our Terms and Conditions.
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