State Pension & Benefits

In this section:

• Are voluntary NI contributions refundable if my circumstances change?

• Can voluntary NI contributions increase my State Pension immediately?

• What happens if I overpay voluntary NI contributions?

• Is there a time limit for topping up missing National Insurance years?

• Is it worth paying voluntary National Insurance contributions?

• Why is the State Pension age increasing?

• What happens if I want to claim my State Pension later?

• Are there exceptions to the State Pension age rules?

• Is the State Pension age changing in 2026?

• How does my date of birth affect my State Pension age?

• What is the new State Pension age for men and women?

• Will the government increase the State Pension age again?

• When will the next State Pension age rise happen?

• Does the State Pension count towards my retirement income?

• Does the triple lock mean the State Pension always rises faster than inflation?

• What happens to the triple lock during periods of unusually high wage growth?

• Can the government change or remove the triple lock at any time?

• Does the triple lock apply if you live abroad?

• Does the triple lock affect how much National Insurance I need to pay?

• Will the triple lock increase apply automatically, or do I need to claim it?

• How does the triple lock impact long-term State Pension affordability?

• Does taking my pension early affect my State Pension?

• Is the State Pension taxable?