UK State Pension Qualifying Years 2026 -- 35-Year Rule, NI Top-Ups and Forecast
UK state pension qualifying years in 2026: 35 years are needed for the full new State Pension of £221.20 per week (2025/26); minimum 10 years for any entitlement. Class 2 NIC costs £3.45/week; Class 3 costs £17.45/week. An April 2027 deadline allows filling NI gaps back to 2006.