The State Pension is the foundation most retirements are built on, yet how it is worked out surprises people. It has nothing to do with how much you earned. It is built entirely from your National Insurance record.
Years, not earnings
To get the full new State Pension you generally need 35 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions or credits. With fewer than 10 years you usually get nothing at all, and between 10 and 35 you receive a proportion. A high earner with patchy contributions can end up with less than a modest earner who paid in steadily.
How you build years
- Working and paying National Insurance through your wages.
- Receiving certain benefits, such as while raising children or caring for someone.
- Paying voluntary contributions to fill a gap.
Check your forecast
The government's State Pension forecast tool, reached through your Personal Tax Account, shows what you are on track to receive and lists any gap years. It takes minutes and is the single most useful thing you can do for your retirement planning.
Should you fill the gaps?
Voluntary contributions can be excellent value — a relatively small one-off payment can add to your pension for the rest of your life. But it only helps if you would otherwise fall short of the full amount, and if you are not going to make up the years through future work anyway. Check the forecast first, then decide. Buying years you do not need is money wasted.