The money is not paid automatically when someone reaches State Pension age. (Image: Getty)
The existing age is 66 in the UK, although it is on course to stretch to 67 from 2026 to 2028. This year, anyone born in 1959 can start claiming their UK payments.
Many people approaching 66 may not be aware that the Department does not automatically pay them the for Work and Pensions () and needs to be claimed.
The maximum payment paid is £221.20 a week, but some Brits may choose to defer their claim.
guidance says: “You do not get your automatically – you have to claim it. You should get a letter no later than two months before you reach age, telling you what to do.”
says if someone does want to defer their payments they do not have do anything.
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By deferring a retirees can boost their weekly income; they will need to have deferred for at least nine weeks.
For every five weeks someone defers their they get a one percent increase. So if you defer for a year you get over 10%.
If you are only a basic , you will be getting £169.50, so deferring it will give you £17.62 per week extra.
If you’re over the age of 73, you’ll be receiving or eligible for the ‘old’ ; if you were born on or after these dates, you’ll claim the new instead.
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How to claim your state pension
You can claim the online, by phone, or by post and you can make your claim four months before you turn age.
- You will get a state penion invitation letter: This is sent to from the Pension Service around four months before you reach age.
- Provide your details including your National Insurance number: You will need your NI number to claim the .
- Provide other information. You may need to provide evidence of your date of birth, marriage certificate, divorce certificate, and employment details.
- Submit your claim: You can submit your claim online, by phone, or by post and you can claim online at GOV.UK or by calling the Pension Service claim line on 0800 731 7898.
You can ask for your claim to be backdated up to 12 months after you reach age, and you can still work and receive a .