Pension Calculator UK Government

State Pension Formula:

\[ \text{Weekly Pension} = \frac{\text{Qualifying Years}}{35} \times \text{Full Amount} \]

Estimated Weekly Pension:

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1. What is the UK State Pension?

The UK State Pension is a regular payment from the government that you can claim when you reach State Pension age. The amount you receive depends on your National Insurance contribution history.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the State Pension formula:

\[ \text{Weekly Pension} = \frac{\text{Qualifying Years}}{35} \times \text{Full Amount} \]

Where:

Qualifying Years — Number of years you've made National Insurance contributions
Full Amount — Maximum weekly State Pension amount (£230.25 for 2025/26)

Explanation: You need 35 qualifying years to get the full new State Pension. You'll get a proportion of the full amount if you have between 10 and 35 qualifying years.

3. Importance of Pension Planning

Details: Understanding your potential State Pension helps with retirement planning. It's important to check your National Insurance record and consider making voluntary contributions if you have gaps.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your number of qualifying years (0-35) and the full pension amount (default is £230.25/week for 2025/26). The calculator will estimate your weekly State Pension amount.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How many qualifying years do I need?
A: You need 35 qualifying years to get the full new State Pension. You need at least 10 qualifying years to get any State Pension.

Q2: What counts as a qualifying year?
A: You can get a qualifying year if you're employed and earning over £242 a week (2025/26 threshold) and paying National Insurance contributions, or if you receive National Insurance credits.

Q3: Can I check my actual National Insurance record?
A: Yes, you can check your National Insurance record online through the government's website to see your actual qualifying years.

Q4: What if I have gaps in my National Insurance record?
A: You might be able to pay voluntary National Insurance contributions to fill gaps in your record and increase your State Pension amount.

Q5: When can I claim my State Pension?
A: Your State Pension age depends on when you were born. You can check your State Pension age on the government website.