Ways to claim State Pension

When to claim your State Pension and options for doing it online, by telephone and by post, including what information you'll need.

How to claim your State Pension

You will not get your State Pension automatically - you have to claim it. You should get a letter no later than 2 months before you reach State Pension age, telling you what to do.

If you have not received an invitation letter, but you are within 3 months of reaching your State Pension age you can still make a claim.

There’s a different way to claim your pension from abroad, including the Channel Islands.

The quickest way to get your State Pension is to apply online.

You can claim your State Pension online, by telephone or by post.

Online

To claim online, go to:

Get your State Pension

Telephone

You can also claim State Pension by telephone. Contact details for the State Pension Claim line at the link below.

If you use sign language, you might be able to use the video relay service to claim State Pension using British Sign Language (BSL) or Irish Sign Language (ISL). To access the service go to:

Northern Ireland Pension Centre

Post

If you are unable to claim your State Pension online or by telephone you can request a paper version of the claim form by contacting the Northern Ireland Pension Centre. Claiming by post will take more time than claiming online or by telephone.

How State Pension is paid

Your State Pension is paid directly into your bank, building society, Post Office or National Savings account that accepts Direct Debit payment.

Nominating a helper to collect benefits or a pension for you

You could also be eligible for Pension Credit even if you have a pension, savings or own your own home. Even a small award of Pension Credit can provide access to a wide range of other benefits.

You can call 0808 100 6165 or you can use the Pension Credit online calculator to check if you’re likely to be eligible and get an estimate of what you may receive.

Get proof of receipt of State Pension

If you need proof that you are getting State Pension you can request a proof of benefit letter by using the online service.

When you use the online service the proof of benefit letter will be posted to you directly within 5 working days.

If you cannot use the online service you can contact the Northern Ireland Pension Centre

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