The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has warned that the State Pension is not paid automatically. People reaching the official retirement age this year must actively claim it or risk delays in receiving their first payment, which can be up to £241.30 per week or £965.20 every four weeks.
State Pension Age Rise Underway
The State Pension age began rising from 66 to 67 in April 2026, with the increase set to be completed for all men and women across the UK by 2028. This change, legislated since 2014, will be followed by a further rise from 67 to 68 by the mid-2040s.
Claiming the State Pension
According to DWP guidance: “You do not get your State Pension automatically - you have to claim it. You should get a letter no later than two months before you reach State Pension age, telling you what to do.” If you do not respond, the DWP will assume you wish to defer, and no payments will be made.
Currently, the State Pension supports 13.2 million older people across the UK, including over one million in Scotland. To qualify, you must have reached the eligible retirement age and paid at least 10 years of National Insurance Contributions.
First Payment Timing and Amount
Your first payment will arrive within five weeks of reaching State Pension age, followed by full payments every four weeks. You may receive a partial payment before the first full one. Your payment day depends on the last two digits of your National Insurance number: 00-19 (Monday), 20-39 (Tuesday), 40-59 (Wednesday), 60-79 (Thursday), 80-99 (Friday).
The first payment may be higher or lower than expected, even with full National Insurance Contributions, due to the DWP's 'starting amount' calculation based on your record as of April 5, 2016.
Deferring Your State Pension
If you defer claiming for at least nine weeks, your weekly payments increase by 1% for every nine weeks deferred, equating to just under 5.8% per year. However, the extra amount may be taxed. Deferred pensions increase each year in line with the September Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate, not the Triple Lock policy.
Understanding Your Starting Amount
The DWP calculates a 'starting amount' for the new State Pension based on your record up to April 5, 2016. This is the higher of: the amount under the previous system, or the amount under the new system if it had been in place from the start of your working life. Both reflect any periods of being 'contracted out'.
If your starting amount is less than the full new State Pension, each qualifying year after April 5, 2016 adds about £6.89 per week (in 2026/27) until you reach the full amount or State Pension age. If it is more, you receive the higher amount including a 'protected payment'. If equal, you get the full new State Pension.
How to Check Your State Pension
You can get a personalised State Pension forecast online via the Check your State Pension service. This provides your State Pension age, an estimate of your pension, and your National Insurance contribution history.
