Number of complete qualifying years on your NI record.
Years remaining until you reach State Pension age.
Future years you expect to make NI contributions (capped by years until retirement).
Reg. 07380272 · England & Wales · Est. 2010
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Class 3 NI rate
£17.45/week
Voluntary contributions to fill gaps in your NI record (£907.40/year).
Everything you need to know about the UK State Pension
How is the State Pension calculated?
The full new State Pension is £221.20 per week for the 2025/26 tax year. It is calculated based on your National Insurance record. You need 35 qualifying years to get the full amount. If you have fewer than 35 years but at least 10, you receive 1/35th of the full pension for each qualifying year.
What counts as a qualifying year?
A qualifying year is a tax year in which you have paid or been credited with enough National Insurance contributions. This includes years where you were employed and paying Class 1 NI, self-employed and paying Class 2 NI, or receiving NI credits because you were claiming certain benefits such as Child Benefit for a child under 12, Carer's Allowance, Jobseeker's Allowance, or Employment and Support Allowance. You can check your NI record online via the HMRC Personal Tax Account.
Can I buy missing years?
Yes, you can fill gaps in your NI record by making voluntary Class 3 National Insurance contributions. The current rate is £17.45 per week (£907.40 per year). You can usually go back up to 6 years to fill gaps, though there is a temporary extension allowing you to fill gaps back to April 2006. Buying additional years can significantly boost your State Pension — each extra year adds roughly £328.64 per year to your pension, making it an excellent return on investment for most people.
What is the minimum for any pension?
You need at least 10 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions to receive any new State Pension at all. If you have fewer than 10 qualifying years, you will not receive any State Pension. Between 10 and 35 years, you receive a proportional amount. This minimum requirement applies to the new State Pension — if you reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016, different rules under the old system apply.
New State Pension
The new State Pension was introduced on 6 April 2016 and applies to people who reach State Pension age on or after that date. It replaced the old basic State Pension and additional State Pension (SERPS/S2P). The full rate for 2025/26 is £221.20 per week, and you need 35 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions to receive the full amount.
Voluntary Contributions
If you have gaps in your NI record, you may be able to make voluntary Class 3 contributions at £17.45 per week to fill them. This can be one of the best investments available — each additional qualifying year adds approximately £328.64 per year to your pension for the rest of your life. Check your NI record online before making voluntary payments.
When can I claim State Pension?
The State Pension age is currently 66 for both men and women. It is scheduled to rise to 67 between 2026 and 2028, and to 68 between 2044 and 2046 (though this timeline may be brought forward). You can check your personal State Pension age using the government's online tool. You do not have to claim your State Pension when you reach State Pension age — if you defer, your pension increases by 1% for every 9 weeks you defer, equivalent to just under 5.8% per year.
HMRC-Aligned: This calculator uses official HMRC rates and thresholds for the 2025/26 tax year (6 April 2025 - 5 April 2026). Results are indicative — for complex situations, consult a qualified adviser or check your personal State Pension forecast at gov.uk.
This calculator uses official rates and thresholds from:
Last verified: February 2026 · Tax year 2025/26. Results are indicative — consult a qualified accountant for personalised advice.
Reviewed by M. Samiuddin Quadri, ACCA — Chartered Certified Accountant at Gladstone & Co. · Updated for the 2025/26 tax year.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on current HMRC rates and thresholds for the 2025/26 tax year. It does not constitute professional tax, financial, or legal advice. Your actual liability may differ depending on your individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified accountant or tax adviser before making financial decisions. Read our terms