You can normally access your pension from age 55 (rising to 57 in 2028). You can take 25% tax-free (up to the lump sum limit) with the rest taxed as income. Accessing before the minimum age is possible but usually triggers a 55% unauthorised payment tax charge.

Checking your State Pension forecast

Check your personal State Pension forecast at gov.uk/check-state-pension. You will need a Government Gateway account. The forecast shows your current entitlement based on your NI record, your projected amount if you continue contributing, and any gaps in your record that you could fill with voluntary contributions.

Voluntary NI contributions to boost your pension

If you have gaps in your NI record, you can make voluntary Class 3 contributions to fill them. In 2025/26 this costs £824 per year to fill a gap — which buys you approximately £329/year in additional State Pension for life. The payback period is under 3 years, making voluntary contributions one of the best-return financial decisions available to many UK retirees.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Tax figures are based on 2025/26 rates. Always verify with HMRC or a qualified adviser.