UK State Pension 2025-26
The full new state pension is £221.20/week (£11,502.4/year) in 2025-26. You need 35 qualifying NI years — see your forecast based on the years you have.
State pension key figures 2025-26
State pension forecast by NI qualifying years
| NI qualifying years | Weekly pension | Annual pension | % of full pension | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 years | £63.20 | £3,286.4 | 28.6% | Details → |
| 11 years | £69.52 | £3,615.04 | 31.4% | Details → |
| 12 years | £75.84 | £3,943.68 | 34.3% | Details → |
| 13 years | £82.16 | £4,272.32 | 37.1% | Details → |
| 14 years | £88.48 | £4,600.96 | 40.0% | Details → |
| 15 years | £94.80 | £4,929.6 | 42.9% | Details → |
| 16 years | £101.12 | £5,258.24 | 45.7% | Details → |
| 17 years | £107.44 | £5,586.88 | 48.6% | Details → |
| 18 years | £113.76 | £5,915.52 | 51.4% | Details → |
| 19 years | £120.08 | £6,244.16 | 54.3% | Details → |
| 20 years | £126.40 | £6,572.8 | 57.1% | Details → |
| 21 years | £132.72 | £6,901.44 | 60.0% | Details → |
| 22 years | £139.04 | £7,230.08 | 62.9% | Details → |
| 23 years | £145.36 | £7,558.72 | 65.7% | Details → |
| 24 years | £151.68 | £7,887.36 | 68.6% | Details → |
| 25 years | £158.00 | £8,216 | 71.4% | Details → |
| 26 years | £164.32 | £8,544.64 | 74.3% | Details → |
| 27 years | £170.64 | £8,873.28 | 77.1% | Details → |
| 28 years | £176.96 | £9,201.92 | 80.0% | Details → |
| 29 years | £183.28 | £9,530.56 | 82.9% | Details → |
| 30 years | £189.60 | £9,859.2 | 85.7% | Details → |
| 31 years | £195.92 | £10,187.84 | 88.6% | Details → |
| 32 years | £202.24 | £10,516.48 | 91.4% | Details → |
| 33 years | £208.56 | £10,845.12 | 94.3% | Details → |
| 34 years | £214.88 | £11,173.76 | 97.1% | Details → |
| 35 years (full) | £221.20 | £11,502.4 | 100.0% | Details → |
NI credits that count towards state pension
Not working does not necessarily mean losing NI qualifying years. These credits protect your state pension record.
How much is the new state pension in 2025-26?
The full new state pension rose to £221.20 per week (£11,502.40 per year) in April 2025, an increase of 4.1% under the triple lock. The triple lock guarantees the state pension increases each year by the highest of earnings growth, CPI inflation, or 2.5%.
The new state pension replaced the old basic state pension for those reaching state pension age after 6 April 2016. Your state pension age in 2025-26 is 66 for both men and women.
How qualifying NI years are built up
A qualifying NI year is a tax year in which you pay (or are credited with) National Insurance contributions. You build a qualifying year by working and earning above the Lower Earnings Limit (£6,396 in 2025-26), claiming certain benefits, or receiving NI credits through caring or unemployment. Each qualifying year adds £328.64/year (£6.32/week) to your state pension, up to the 35-year maximum.
Can I top up missing NI years?
Yes — voluntary Class 3 NI contributions let you fill gaps in your record. In 2025-26, one year costs £824.20 (paid as a lump sum or in instalments). Given that one year adds approximately £328.64/year to your pension for life, the payback period is around 2.5 years. You can check and buy missing NI years via the HMRC personal tax account.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the state pension in 2025?
The full new state pension is £221.20 per week (£11,502.40 per year) in 2025-26. This is for those with 35 or more qualifying NI years. It increased by 4.1% from 2024-25 under the triple lock.
How many NI years do I need for the full state pension?
You need 35 qualifying NI years for the full new state pension. You need at least 10 qualifying years to receive any state pension. Each year below 35 reduces your pension proportionally — for example, 25 years gives you 25/35ths of the full amount.
Can I top up my NI contributions?
Yes — voluntary Class 3 NI contributions cost £824.20/year in 2025-26 and each year added gives approximately £328.64/year more state pension for life. Check your NI record and buy missing years at gov.uk. There are deadlines for buying older years — typically up to 6 years back, though extended deadlines apply until April 2025 for years from 2006-07.