How do I check my State Pension forecast?

For people who want to know how much State Pension they could get and when.

Applies to: England, Scotland, Wales Last checked against official sources: 30 September 2026

Check online to see how much State Pension you could get, when, and whether you can increase it. You'll need to sign in, and may need to prove your identity.

You can also check in the HMRC app.
If you're more than 30 days from State Pension age, you can apply by post (form BR19) or phone the Future Pension Centre.
You can't use it if you already get your State Pension or have deferred it.

Different in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

Rules may be different in:

Northern Ireland: Check nidirect for Northern Ireland

Key facts

Check online or in HMRC app
Shows how to increase it
Not for current pensioners

What a forecast tells you

A State Pension forecast is an estimate based on your National Insurance record so far. It shows:

how much State Pension you could get
when you can start getting it
whether you can increase it, for example by filling gaps in your record

It is a guide, not a promise. The figure can change if your record changes.

What you need before you start

Your sign-in details.
Photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence, in case the service asks you to prove who you are.

How to check your forecast online

Go to the GOV.UK service "Check your State Pension forecast".
Sign in and prove your identity if asked.
Read your forecast. It shows the amount and the date you can get it.
Look at the link to your National Insurance record. This shows any years that do not count.
If there are gaps, the record tells you if you would benefit from paying voluntary contributions to fill them. It also shows how your forecast would change.

You can also check your forecast in the HMRC app.

If you cannot use the online service

Way to ask	How it works
By post	Fill in form BR19 and post it to the address on the form. You must be 16 or over and at least 30 days away from State Pension age.
By phone	Call the Future Pension Centre on 0800 731 0175 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm). They post the forecast to you.
From abroad	Call +44 (0)191 218 3600.
Relay UK	18001 then 0800 731 0175.

Who cannot use the forecast service

You cannot use it if you already get your State Pension, or if you have put off (deferred) claiming it. Contact the Pension Service instead, or the International Pension Centre if you live abroad.

What to do after you check

Gaps in your record. Check your National Insurance record to see if paying voluntary contributions would add to your pension. The record shows what you paid up to the start of the current tax year (6 April 2026).
Your age. The forecast shows when you can get your pension. Write this date down for planning.
Ways to increase it. Apart from filling gaps, you can delay claiming your State Pension once you reach State Pension age.

If you live in Northern Ireland

People in Northern Ireland use the same online service, the same BR19 form and the same Future Pension Centre. If you already get your State Pension or have deferred it, contact the Northern Ireland Pension Centre instead.

Related guides

Where this comes from

Get it done

This takes you to the official service, which is free to use.

Check your forecast

Common questions

Can I fill gaps in my record?

Possibly, by paying voluntary National Insurance contributions.

Source: Check your State Pension forecast

Checked against GOV.UK on 30 September 2026

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