How Much Is Basic State Pension? Full Breakdown

Wondering how much the basic State Pension is in the UK? Learn the 2025 rates, eligibility criteria and how National Insurance contributions affect your pension entitlement.

The basic State Pension is a key source of income for many retirees in the UK, providing financial support based on an individual’s National Insurance (NI) contributions. But how much is the basic State Pension in 2025, and who qualifies for it?

This guide explains the current State Pension rates, how eligibility is determined and what to do if you haven’t made enough NI contributions to receive the full amount.

The basic State Pension is the government-funded pension paid to individuals who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016. It was replaced by the new State Pension for those who reached pension age on or after this date.

This means that if you are a man born before 6 April 1951 or a woman born before 6 April 1953, you qualify for the basic State Pension rather than the newer system.

If you were born after these dates, you will receive the new State Pension, which has different rules and payment amounts.

How Much Is the Basic State Pension in 2025?

As of April 2025, the full basic State Pension is:

£156.20 per week (£8,122.40 per year)

However, some people receive more than this due to Additional State Pension (SERPS/S2P) payments.

Who Qualifies for the Basic State Pension?

To qualify for the full basic State Pension, you need to have paid or been credited with at least 30 years of National Insurance contributions.

  • If you have 30+ years of NI contributions, you receive the full amount (£156.20 per week).

  • If you have less than 30 years, your pension is reduced proportionally.

If you have fewer than 10 years of contributions, you will not receive any basic State Pension.

What If You Haven’t Paid Enough National Insurance?

If you don’t have 30 years of NI contributions, you may be able to:

  1. Pay Voluntary NI Contributions – You can buy extra years to increase your pension.

  2. Check for NI Credits – If you were unemployed, a carer, or on maternity leave, you may have received NI credits that count towards your total.

  3. Claim Pension Credit – If your income is low, you may be eligible for Pension Credit, which tops up your income to at least £218.15 per week (for single people) or £332.95 per week (for couples) in 2025.

What About Additional State Pension (SERPS and S2P)?

If you paid extra NI contributions between 1978 and 2016, you may have built up an Additional State Pension through:

  • State Earnings-Related Pension Scheme (SERPS) – Available to those who contributed between 1978 and 2002.

  • State Second Pension (S2P) – Applied from 2002 until 2016.

This means you could receive more than £156.20 per week, depending on how much Additional State Pension you built up.

Your State Pension statement will show if you qualify for extra payments beyond the basic amount.

When and How Is the Basic State Pension Paid?

State Pension Age

To receive the basic State Pension, you must reach State Pension age.

  • The current State Pension age is 66.

  • It will increase to 67 between 2026 and 2028.

  • It is expected to rise to 68 in the future.

Payment Frequency

The basic State Pension is paid every four weeks, directly into your bank account, building society, or credit union account.

Can You Receive a UK State Pension If You Live Abroad?

Yes, you can receive the UK State Pension while living abroad, but there are important rules to consider:

  • If you live in a country with a UK pension agreement, your pension will increase annually under the triple lock system.

  • If you live in a country without a pension agreement, your State Pension will be frozen at the rate you first receive it (e.g., Australia and Canada).

For a full list of countries where your State Pension will or won’t increase, visit: State Pension If You Live Abroad

How to Check Your State Pension

If you’re unsure how much basic State Pension you’ll receive, you can:

1. Check Your National Insurance Record

  • Visit: Check NI Contributions

  • See how many qualifying years you have.

2. Get a State Pension Forecast

  • Use the government’s State Pension Forecast tool.

  • This shows how much you’ll get and your State Pension age.

3. Contact the Pension Service

  • Phone: 0800 731 7898 (UK)

  • International: +44 191 218 3600

Final Thoughts: How Much Is the Basic State Pension?

  • The full basic State Pension in 2025 is £156.20 per week (£8,122.40 per year).

  • To qualify, you need at least 30 years of National Insurance contributions.

  • If you paid extra contributions into SERPS or S2P, you may receive more than the basic amount.

  • If you haven’t paid enough NI, you may be able to buy extra years or qualify for Pension Credit.