Will I Get My State Pension Automatically?

Last updated on January 23rd, 2022

If you are approaching state pension age then you might be wondering how you go about getting your state pension and if it gets paid automatically.

Well the answer to this is no, it does not automatically get paid to you, you have to request payment.

In the run up to your state pension age you should receive a letter from HMRC advising you that your pension is due and what to do to claim it. If you believe that your state pension age is less than 2 months away and you have not received a letter then you should query this and are able to apply online for your state pension. You can also claim it anyway if you are within 4 months of retirement.

However, the first thing to do may be to check when your state pension age is and you can do that starting at this page.

Once you have the letter from HMRC this also includes the application form and the invitation code for you to apply online. You need to apply to have your pension paid otherwise it will automatically be deferred until you do request it.

You can either fill out the application form or apply on the government website.

If you defer taking your state pension then it will be increased. It will increase every week you defer, as long as you defer for at least 9 weeks. So it may well be worth leaving it if you don’t need to take it but obviously it may be an idea to speak to a financial advisor about this.

Your State Pension increases by the equivalent of 1% for every 9 weeks you defer. This works out as just under 5.8% for every 52 weeks.

The extra amount is paid with your regular State Pension payment. The state pension is taxable so you would need to take that into account for example if you are still working when you reach state pension age.

If you want to defer taking your state pension then you do not need to do anything as this will happen automatically if you do not claim it.