How do I claim?
So when can I claim State Pension?
You will usually be sent an invitation to claim when you are four months away from State Pension age. The State Pension age for men is 65 and, for women, it is currently 60.
However, the State Pension age for women is changing - it will rise gradually from age 60 to 65 from 2010 to 2020.
From 6 April 2020, the State Pension age for both men and women will be 65.The state pension age for both men and women is to increase from 65 to 68 between 2024 and 2046, with each change phased in over two consecutive years in each decade.
The first increase, from 65 to 66, will be phased in between April 2024 and April 2026; the second, from 66 to 67, will be phased in between April 2034 and April 2036; and the third, from 67 to 68, between April 2044 and April 2046.
You can use our State Pension age calculator to check the date you will reach State Pension age.
What happens if I don't receive an invitation to claim?
If you are four months or less away from State Pension age, and you have not received your invitation to claim, please call the State Pension claimline on 0845 300 1084 (textphone 0845 300 2086) between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday or 9am to 1pm Saturday and we will send you one.
Make sure you put in your application as soon as possible after that
to make sure you receive your first payment on time. Or you can read
and print an application form.
You can also claim State Pension online on the Department for Work and
Pensions website
Get the most out of later life
The Directgov website's Over 50s section points you in the right direction for help and advice available through Government and voluntary organisations.
It provides information and contact details for community and voluntary organisations, training opportunities and health and fitness advice.
More about the basic State Pension
Find out more about Basic State Pension
Pension Credit
Find out more about whether you are eligible for Pension Credit