How to check your DWP State Pension forecast – and boost it

Many people don’t realise they can pay voluntary National Insurance contributions to boost their future payments under the Department for Work and Pensions system.

And with key deadlines often falling in April at the end of the tax year, checking now could make a big difference.

The UK government’s official forecast tool shows:

• How much State Pension you could receive
• Your State Pension age
• Whether you can boost your payments

You can use the service via the HM Revenue and Customs app or online through Gov.uk.

How to check your State Pension Age

1. Sign in (or create a Government Gateway account)
2. Prove your identity — usually with a passport or driving licence
3. View your forecast instantly

You cannot use the service if you’re already receiving your State Pension or have deferred it.

Can you increase your State Pension?

Many people can.

If you have gaps in your National Insurance record, you may be able to make voluntary contributions to increase your weekly payments.

Even small top-ups can add hundreds of pounds a year to your retirement income – especially if you’re several years away from pension age.

What do you need to know when planning when to retire?

State Pension age is reviewed regularly and may change.

Your forecast only covers your government pension — not workplace or personal pensions.

Applying online is the quickest way to get a forecast. If you’ll reach your State Pension age in more than 30 days you can also:

• fill in the BR19 application form and send it by post
• call the Future Pension Centre who will post the forecast to you

Checking your forecast early gives you time to fix gaps and plan ahead.

A five-minute check today could mean more money in retirement.

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Personal and workplace pensions

When you can take money from your pension pot will depend on your pension scheme’s rules, but it’s usually after you’re 55.

You may be able to take money out before this age if either:

• you’re retiring early because of ill health
• you had the right under the scheme you joined before 6 April 2006 to take your pension before you’re 55 – ask your pension provider if you’re not sure

Some companies offer to help you get money out of your pension before you’re 55. This could be an unauthorised payment. If it’s unauthorised, you pay up to 55% tax on it.