Claim your State Pension
You get a letter shortly before State Pension age with an invitation code to claim online.
What you need
- The invitation code from your letter
- Date of your most recent marriage, civil partnership or divorce
- Dates you lived or worked abroad
- Your bank or building society details
Step by step
- Wait for the letter about getting your State Pension
- Request an invitation code online if you reach State Pension age within 3 months and have none
- Apply online (or phone the Pension Service within 4 months of State Pension age)
- Check your National Insurance record for gaps
Where to apply
GOV.UK: get your State Pension · gov.uk
GOV.UK: check your State Pension age · gov.uk
Tips to get it right the first time
- You can delay claiming if you want to keep working.
- Northern Ireland and claims from abroad have a different process.
Save the checklist in the app and tick items off as you gather them.
Reviewed on October 19, 2026 · source: gov.uk. Requirements and costs are for reference and may change without notice: confirm them with the official source before you go. We are not affiliated with any institution.