Updated: 27 December 2025

Check Your State Pension Forecast

Your State Pension forecast shows how much you could get, when you can claim it, and how to increase it. It's free and takes just a few minutes to check online.

What Is a State Pension Forecast?

A State Pension forecast is an estimate of:

  • How much State Pension you'll get if you continue paying National Insurance until State Pension age
  • When you can claim your State Pension
  • How many qualifying years you currently have
  • How many more years you need for the full amount
  • Whether you can increase your forecast by filling gaps
Free and Official: Your forecast is provided free by the government and is the only authoritative source for your personal State Pension entitlement.

How to Check Your Forecast Online

Step 1: Go to the Official Website

Visit gov.uk/check-state-pension

Step 2: Sign In or Create an Account

You'll need a Government Gateway user ID and password. If you don't have one:

  • Click "Sign in" then "Create sign in details"
  • You'll need your National Insurance number
  • You may be asked security questions or sent a code by post

Step 3: View Your Forecast

Once signed in, you'll see:

  • Your estimate: Weekly, monthly, and yearly amounts
  • Your State Pension age: Exact date you can claim
  • Your National Insurance record: Year-by-year breakdown
  • Gaps in your record: Years you could fill

Understanding Your Forecast

Current Estimate

This shows what you'd get if you stopped paying National Insurance now. It's based on your qualifying years so far.

Forecast Amount

This shows what you could get if you continue contributing until State Pension age. It assumes you'll keep working or receiving credits.

Maximum You Can Get

For most people, this is £230.25 per week (2025/26 rate) if you have 35 qualifying years.

Your National Insurance Record

The forecast includes your full NI record showing:

  • Full years: Years that count (paid contributions or credits)
  • Years with gaps: Years that don't count
  • Years you can fill: Recent gaps you could pay to complete
  • Years you cannot fill: Too old or other reasons

What If You Have Gaps?

If your record shows gaps, the forecast tells you:

  • How many more years you need for the full State Pension
  • Whether filling gaps would increase your forecast
  • How much voluntary contributions would cost
  • Deadlines for filling specific years
Important: Only fill gaps if it actually increases your State Pension. The forecast will tell you if it won't help.

When Should You Check Your Forecast?

Check your forecast:

  • Regularly: At least once a year
  • Before making major decisions: Retirement planning, voluntary contributions
  • After life changes: Divorce, periods of caring, unemployment
  • Before the tax year ends (5 April): To see if you need to fill the current year
  • 10 years before State Pension age: To plan for retirement

Other Ways to Get Your Forecast

By Phone

Future Pension Centre: 0800 731 0175
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

By Post

Request form BR19 from GOV.UK or call the number above. Allow several weeks for a postal response.

Who Cannot Get a Forecast Online?

You may not be able to check online if:

  • You've already claimed your State Pension
  • You're over State Pension age but haven't claimed yet (call instead)
  • You've deferred claiming
  • You receive a spouse's or civil partner's State Pension

Next Steps