Qualifying for a state pension

The Government has changed the age rules for qualification for the state pension.

The state pension age was equalised between 6 November and 5 December 2018 with the result that the retirement age for both men and women is 65.

The state pension age increases for both men and women to reach 66 by October 2020.

The Government is planning further increases, which will raise the state pension age from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028.

The state pension age would therefore increase to 68 between 2037 and 2039.

When will I reach state pension age?

To find out please enter your gender and date of birth on GOV.UK

There is no longer an earnings component to the state pension rights accrued by contributors, instead they will acquire rights towards the single state pension which is paid at a flat rate of £175.20.

The number of year’s contributions that entitle you to a full pension is 35, but note that there is no state pension if there are fewer than 10 years’ contributions.