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.

Start with the official service: GOV.UK: Get your State Pension

If you were sent an invitation letter, keep your claim code ready. If you are within 3 months of State Pension age and do not have a code, GOV.UK explains how to request one.

If you live in the UK

Invitation letter: You should usually receive a letter with a claim code around 4 months before pension age.

Claim online: GOV.UK 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.

Planning ahead (more than 4 months away from SPA): Future Pension Centre (DWP).

Call: +44 191 218 3600

What to have ready

• 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/BIC)
• 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