Introduction
We can help when retirement's on the horizon
As you approach your retirement, we are here to help. This section tells you about your State Pension and how to go about claiming it. We will tell you how you can review your finances, so you have a good idea of the money you will have to live on in retirement.
We will also tell you about the extra government support you could get if you should need it, like Pension Credit
You don't have to stop working to claim your State Pension, or you can choose to put off claiming your State Pension to get more extra State Pension when you finally claim or the choice of a one off taxable lump-sum payment, but you do need to understand all of your options. We want to point you in the right direction so you can make sure you have all the information you need.
Get a State Pension forecast online
See if you can get an online State Pension forecast. This will give you an estimate of how much basic State Pension and additional State Pension you may get when you reach State Pension age.
Get an instant online pension forecast
Use our State Pension age calculator to find out when you will be entitled to claim your State Pension.
Find out how changes might affect your State Pension
If you need more information, contact the Future Pension Centre (FPC)
Get the most out of later life
The Directgov website's Over 50s section points you in the right direction for help and advice available through Government and voluntary organisations.
It provides information and contact details for community and voluntary organisations, training opportunities and health and fitness advice.
Are you over 50?
Find out more in our practical guide to advice, support and services across government
Trace an old pension
If you want to trace an old pension, you can contact the Pension Tracing Service. They will usually be able to find the details for you.
Work-related injuries
If you have been disabled by an accident at work, or have a disease or deafness caused by a job you have done, you may be able to claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit. Find out more about Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit on the Jobcentre Plus website.
Changes for pensions
The Pensions Act 2007 and Pensions Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 make changes to the State Pensions system. If you reach State Pension age on or after 6 April 2010 (ie if you are a man, you were born after 5 April 1945 and, if you are a woman, you were born after 5 April 1950) you could, under the proposals, become entitled to a higher State Pension than you would be under the current rules.