Do you know how much your State Pension forecast in the UK for 2024 is? If you’re working and paying National Insurance (NI), it’s worth finding out, and it’s a straightforward process that only takes a few minutes.
Your State Pension forecast tells you:
- How much you’re likely to get
- When you’ll get it
- Whether you have gaps in your record that could affect your pension
Understanding your retirement income is not just crucial; it’s empowering, especially if you want to plan confidently.
📅 This is Part 4 of our UK Pension Series. We recommend catching up on the other parts to ensure you’re fully informed and prepared.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to check your forecast, what the results mean, and how to boost your State Pension if needed.
🧾 What Is the UK State Pension?
The State Pension is a regular payment you can receive from the government once you reach the State Pension age, currently 66. It’s designed to provide a foundation for your retirement income.
📅 As of April 2024, the full new State Pension is £221.20 per week or £11,502.40 per year.
You need 35 qualifying years of National Insurance (NI) contributions to receive the full amount. You need at least 10 years to get anything at all.
🔍 Why You Should Check Your Forecast
Your State Pension Forecast UK 2024 gives you the most up-to-date projection of your entitlement based on your NI record. Many assume they’ll automatically qualify for the full pension, but your actual amount depends on your NI record. Checking your forecast allows you to:
See how much you’re currently on track to receive.
You can find out your exact state pension age.
Discover if you have gaps in your NI record that could reduce your entitlement
📲 How to Check Your State Pension Forecast
Go to the official GOV.UK State Pension Forecast page
You could sign in with your Government Gateway account or create one.
Review your projected pension and NI record
💡 Your forecast will show you:
The amount you’re likely to get at retirement
Your current number of qualifying NI years
Whether you’re eligible to fill in any gaps
🛠️ Can You Boost Your Forecast?
Yes! If you’re not on track for the full pension, there are a few ways to improve it:
1. Fill NI Gaps
If you’ve missed years due to unemployment, career breaks, or self-employment, you may be able to:
Pay Voluntary NI Contributions
Claim NI credits if you were eligible for certain benefits (e.g. Child Benefit, Jobseeker’s Allowance)
📌 Update for 2025: Until 5 April 2025, you could top up missing years going back to 2006. After that, you’ll only be able to fill in the past six tax years.
👉 Learn how to top up NI contributions
2. Continue Working
Working past the State Pension age or into your 60s can help you accumulate more qualifying years. Even part-time income can contribute.
3. Defer Your Pension
You don’t have to claim your State Pension once you reach retirement age. Deferring could increase your weekly payments over time.
👥 What If You’re Self-Employed?
If you’re self-employed, you’re likely paying Class 2 NI contributions, which still count toward your State Pension. But it’s essential to:
You could check your contribution status.
Top up any missing years if your income was low.
Consider voluntary contributions if you weren’t required to pay NI
🧮 Planning Beyond the State Pension
The State Pension isn’t meant to be your only source of income. As of 2024, it only provides about £960/month — far below the average retirement spending target.
Combine it with workplace pensions, personal pensions, ISAs, and other savings to create a well-rounded retirement plan.
👉 See how much you should contribute to your pension
👉 Compare pension vs ISA options
✅ Quick Checklist: Your State Pension To-Dos
- ✅ Review your State Pension forecast UK 2024 to make informed choices about your retirement timeline.
- ✅ Review your National Insurance record
- ✅ Note your current entitlement and years needed
- ✅ Consider topping up or claiming credits
- ✅ Use this as part of your retirement planning
📘 Want to Take Action?
🎯 Download your free Pension Checklist by Age (PDF) to see what to prioritise at each stage of life.
📩 Join our newsletter to get weekly retirement tips and guides straight to your inbox.
👀 Explore the full UK Pension Series for even more support.
🔎 FAQs on State Pension Forecasts (UK)
What’s the current State Pension age in the UK?
Currently, it’s 66. It’s rising to 67 between 2026 and 2028, and to 68 between 2044 and 2046.
Can I get a State Pension if I’ve lived abroad?
Possibly. You may qualify based on contributions made in the UK or reciprocal agreements with other countries.
What happens if I don’t have 10 qualifying years?
You won’t receive any State Pension unless you meet the minimum requirement. You can make voluntary contributions to fix this.
Can I receive the full State Pension automatically?
Only if you’ve paid or been credited with 35 full qualifying years of NI. Many people fall short without realising.
