State Pension age checklist: what to claim and do

Last checked November 2026. Offers and rules change: confirm with the provider before you rely on them.

Reaching State Pension age is the biggest single date for entitlements, and several of them have to be claimed. Print this page and work down it in the months before and after your date. Not sure when that is? Use the State Pension age checker.

In the months before

• Get a State Pension forecast on GOV.UK, and check your National Insurance record.
• Watch for the letter inviting you to claim. It usually arrives a few months before your date. If it does not, you can still claim.
• Decide whether to claim straight away or defer. Deferring increases what you get later: MoneyHelper explains the trade-off.
• Gather the details of any workplace or personal pensions, and take free guidance from Pension Wise before you draw on them.

Claim these

• Claim your State Pension. It is not paid automatically.
• Check Pension Credit, even if you think your income is too high. It also unlocks other help.
• England outside London: apply to your council for the older person's bus pass.
• London: apply for the Freedom Pass, which replaces the 60+ Oyster.
• Check your council tax: Council Tax Reduction if your income is low, and the single person discount if you live alone.
• If you need help with washing, dressing or getting about indoors, claim Attendance Allowance. It is not means-tested.

Check these

• Winter Fuel Payment: most people get it automatically, but check the rules for your income and whether you need to claim. Scotland has its own payment.
• Warm Home Discount and Cold Weather Payment, if you get Pension Credit.
• Join the Priority Services Register with your energy and water companies. It is free.
• Ask about social tariffs for broadband and phone, and help with water bills, if you get Pension Credit.
• If you are still working, check your payslip: you stop paying National Insurance once you reach State Pension age.
• Tell HMRC if your income changes. The State Pension is taxable, though it is paid without tax taken off.

Worth doing while you are at it

• Review your insurance and energy tariff, and haggle at renewal: see the haggling guide.
• Put a lasting power of attorney in place and check your will is up to date.
• Start an "important papers" folder that your family could find.
• Use the discount finder to see everything open to you where you live.

Earlier: the turning 60 checklist. Later: the turning 75 checklist. For a personal calculation, ask Citizens Advice or Age UK for a free benefits check.

Common questions

How do I claim my State Pension?

Online on GOV.UK, by phone or by post, using the invitation code in the letter you are sent. In Northern Ireland you claim through nidirect.

Can I keep working?

Yes. There is no retirement age, you can work and claim your State Pension, and you stop paying National Insurance on your earnings.

What if I miss something?

Many benefits can be backdated, Pension Credit for up to three months, so claim as soon as you realise. A benefits check from Citizens Advice or Age UK will catch what you have missed.