How to Claim State Pension UK 2026 — Step-by-Step Guide
How to claim your UK state pension online, by phone, or by post. When to apply, what information you need, payment options, and how long it takes to process.
Pension information is based on current UK legislation. Pensions are regulated by the FCA and The Pensions Regulator. This is not financial advice — consider consulting an FCA-regulated financial adviser.
Contents
The state pension doesn’t start automatically — you need to claim it. Here’s exactly how to do it.
When to Claim
Timing Your Claim
Timing
What Happens
4 months before SPA
Ideal time to start claim
2 months before SPA
DWP sends invitation letter
At SPA
Should receive first payment
After SPA
Can still claim — may get backdated
If You Don’t Claim
Situation
Result
Don’t claim at SPA
Automatically defer
Defer for a year
Pension increases by 5.8%
Never claim
Never receive it
How to Claim Online
Step-by-Step Online Process
Step 1: Go to gov.uk/get-state-pension
Click “Claim State Pension online.”
Step 2: Verify your identity
Method
Process
Government Gateway
Enter existing login
No account
Create one during process
GOV.UK Verify
Alternative ID verification
Step 3: Answer questions about:
Topic
Information Needed
Personal details
Name, date of birth, address
National Insurance number
2 letters + 6 numbers + 1 letter
Marital status
Single, married, widowed, divorced
Bank details
Sort code, account number
Time abroad
Countries, dates, whether you worked
Other pensions
Any benefits you receive
Step 4: Submit and receive confirmation
You’ll get a confirmation number and email.
How Long It Takes
Activity
Time
Completing online form
15-30 minutes
Processing your claim
Up to 5 weeks
First payment
Within 5 weeks of SPA (if claimed on time)
How to Claim by Phone
Phone Claim Process
Detail
Information
Number to call
0800 731 7898
Hours
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Call cost
Free from UK landlines and mobiles
Textphone
0800 731 7339
What happens on the call:
Answer security questions
Provide personal details
Confirm bank details
Discuss your NI record
Get confirmation reference
Calling from Abroad
Calling From
Number to Use
Outside UK
+44 191 218 7777
Monday-Friday
8am to 6pm UK time
How to Claim by Post
Paper Claim Form
GOV.UK doesn’t publish a downloadable claim form or name a specific form number for a postal claim from inside the UK — you have to phone the Pension Service and ask them to post one to you. If you’re overseas, the International Pension Centre can send an overseas claim form instead.
How to get the form:
Phone the Pension Service on 0800 731 7898 (or the International Pension Centre on +44 191 218 7777 from abroad) and ask for a State Pension claim form
They’ll post it to you
Complete and return it
Where to send it:
The Pension Service
Post Handling Site A
Wolverhampton
WV98 1AF