A State Pension forecast is a useful planning document. It can show the amount you may receive, when you may receive it and whether the forecast says the amount could be increased.
Read the forecast as three separate questions
- How much is forecast? Note whether the page shows more than one amount and the conditions attached to each.
- When is it payable? Record the date shown rather than relying on a remembered age, because State Pension age can be reviewed.
- Can it be increased? The service may indicate whether gaps or future qualifying years could affect the result.
Why two amounts may appear
A forecast may show an amount based on your record so far and a higher amount that could be reached by adding qualifying years. Read the wording around each figure carefully.
Do not pay voluntary National Insurance contributions solely because a gap appears.
A gap does not always mean a payment will improve the State Pension. Check the forecast wording and obtain appropriate official guidance before paying.
Details to record
- Forecast amount
- State Pension date shown
- Qualifying years currently recorded
- Whether the forecast says it can be improved
- Any years marked as incomplete
- The date you checked the forecast
Questions that may need official help
- Whether filling a particular year would increase the pension
- How contracting-out history affects the calculation
- How time spent abroad is treated
- What to do when employment records appear to be missing
- How deferring a claim works
The Future Pension Centre or the Pension Service may be the most appropriate official contact, depending on your age and whether you are already receiving State Pension.