How it works

You do not get your State Pension automatically - you have to claim it. You should get a letter no later than 2 months before you reach State Pension age, telling you what to do.

You can either claim your State Pension or delay (defer) claiming it.

If you want to defer, you do not have to do anything. Your pension will automatically be deferred until you claim it.

Deferring your State Pension could increase the payments you get when you decide to claim it. Any extra payments you get from deferring could be taxed.

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

  1. Step 1 Check when you can retire

  2. and Check how much pension you could get

  3. Step 2 Increase your pension

    You might be able to increase the amount you get if you delay your pension.

    1. You are currently viewing: Find out about delaying your pension

    You might be able to pay voluntary contributions to fill in gaps in your National Insurance record (such as, from when you were not working or claiming benefits).

    1. Check if you can pay voluntary National Insurance contributions

    For advice about increasing your workplace or private pension, speak to a financial adviser.

    1. Find a financial adviser through Unbiased
  4. Step 3 Check what other financial support you could get

  5. Step 4 Decide when to retire