State Pension Claim Guidance

Claim links and key contact numbers for UK and non-UK residents.

Claiming your State Pension

You will not receive your State Pension automatically. You need to make a claim. You can apply once you are within 4 months of your State Pension age.

Planning ahead

If you are more than 4 months away from your State Pension age and want to check your State Pension forecast:

Check online: GOV.UK: Check your State Pension forecast — you will need your National Insurance number and a Government Gateway or One Login account.

If you cannot use the online service, contact the Future Pension Centre (DWP).

Call: 0800 731 0175 (UK, free) / +44 191 218 3600 (international)

What to have ready when making your claim

  • Your National Insurance number
  • Your bank or building society account details
  • If you want payment to a non-UK account: the IBAN and BIC/SWIFT code
  • Your marriage or civil partnership details (if relevant)
  • Dates you lived or worked abroad, if relevant
  • Any social security numbers used for overseas state pensions, if relevant
  • Your invitation/claim code, if you have one

If you live in the UK

Invitation letter: You should receive a letter with a claim code around 4 months before your State Pension age. If you are within 3 months of State Pension age and do not have a code, GOV.UK explains how to request one.

Claim online: GOV.UK: Get your State Pension offers online, phone, and post claims. If you have your invitation code, the online form is usually the simplest route.

Claim by phone: The Pension Service (DWP).

Call: 0800 731 7898

Welsh language: 0800 731 7936

If you live elsewhere (Non-UK residents)

Do not wait for a code: Many people overseas do not receive an invitation letter. You do not need one to start your claim.

Local route: Official guidance may direct you to claim through the pension authority in your country of residence. In some cases this route can take longer.

Claim by phone: International Pension Centre (DWP).

Call: +44 191 218 7777

Official non-UK claim guidance: GOV.UK: Claim if you retire abroad.

Tip: Ask the agent for a callback to reduce international phone charges.

The 3-Month Deadline

If you are within 3 months of your State Pension age and have not yet made a claim or received an invitation letter, call the relevant number above as soon as possible. Waiting longer may lead to a delay in your payments.