UK State Pension Calculator 2026/27
Estimate your state pension based on your National Insurance record
Check your NI record on Gov.uk
The new State Pension requires 35 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions for the full amount. You need at least 10 qualifying years to get any state pension.
How to Build Qualifying Years
- Working and paying NI contributions
- Receiving NI credits (unemployment, caring, child benefit)
- Voluntary Class 3 NI contributions
- Being in a contracted-out pension scheme (pre-2016)
State Pension Age
State Pension age is currently 66, rising to 67 between 2026-2028, and planned to rise to 68 between 2044-2046. Check gov.uk for your exact state pension age.
Author: Waqas Sagar, UK Tax Specialist | Reviewed: May 2025 | Source: DWP State Pension Guide
How many years do I need for full state pension?
You need 35 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions for the full new State Pension. With fewer years, you'll receive a proportional amount.
Can I top up my NI record?
Yes, you can pay voluntary Class 3 NI contributions to fill gaps in your record. You can usually go back 6 years, but there's currently an extended deadline allowing contributions back to 2006.
Is state pension taxable?
Yes, state pension counts as taxable income. However, it's paid gross without tax deducted, so you may need to pay tax through self assessment or have it collected via your other income.