State Pension
The State Pension is a regular payment made to you by the government once you reach State Pension age. There are two types of State Pension and both are based on your previous National Insurance contribution record.
What types of State Pension are there?
In 2016, a New State Pension came into effect, replacing the Basic State Pension that existed before it. Which pension applies to you will depend on whether you reached State Pension age before the New State Pension came into force - see below.
The new State Pension
The basic State Pension
What State Pension would I claim?
Use our chart to find out which state pension you should claim:
|
Gender |
Date of birth |
Pension |
|
Female |
Before 6 April 1953 |
Basic State Pension |
|
Female |
After 5 April 1953 |
New State Pension |
|
Male |
Before 6 April 1951 |
Basic State Pension |
|
Male |
After 5 April 1951 |
New State Pension |
Why are there two State Pensions?
The New State Pension was introduced in 2016 to replace the Basic State Pension. To prevent confusion, those already qualified for the Basic State Pension continue to receive it, and only new claimants receive the New State Pension. Eventually the Basic State Pension will be phased out completely.
When will I reach State Pension age?
From April 2021, State Pension age is 66 for both men and women (in the future it is due to increase further, though this won’t start until May 2026).
Check when you'll receive your State Pension on GOV.UK using the government's State Pension calculator.
State Pension age will not be paid to you automatically. A few months before you reach State Pension age you will receive a letter with your options and you will have the choice to claim or to defer and receive higher payments in the future instead.
Further information
For more information call Age Cymru Advice on 0300 303 44 98