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Information you will need to apply for a State Pension forecast

You will need the following information to apply for a forecast:

• your NI number (and that of your late or former spouse or civil partner, if you are bereaved, divorced or have had your civil partnership dissolved)
• details of the types of NI contributions you are paying (this depends, for example, on whether you are employed or self-employed)
• details of any marriages, civil partnerships (including marriages annulled or civil partnerships dissolved)
• details of any time you have spent working outside the UK
• details of your current salary if you are paid by an employer (rather than self-employed)

If you are not sure what type of NI contributions you are paying, see ‘Introduction to National Insurance contributions’.

• Introduction to National Insurance

• What is in a State Pension forecast?

How do I get a State Pension forecast?

If you live in the UK, you can get a forecast online, by telephone or by post. If you live outside the UK, you can get a forecast by telephone or by post.

Getting a forecast online

You can get a forecast online if all of the following conditions apply - you:

• live in the UK
• are more than four months away from your State Pension age (but see below, if you’re a woman aged 60 or over)
• are not widowed or your civil partner is still alive
• have not already reached your State Pension age
• have a Government Gateway account
  

While The Pension Service aims to provide a forecast online to everyone who wishes to use this service, this is not always possible. If The Pension Service cannot give you a forecast online, it can send you a forecast by post.

• Technical advice for using the online State Pension forecast service

If you are a woman aged 60 or over

If you are a woman aged 60 or over you should contact the Future Pension Centre before trying to get a forecast using the online service.

• Contact the Future Pension Centre

Activate your Government Gateway account

If you have recently received a letter to activate your Government Gateway account, click the following link.

Getting a forecast by telephone or post

If you cannot get a forecast online you can get a forecast by telephone or post.

• State Pension forecast by telephone or post for women born before 6 april 2023 or men born before 6 april 2023

Understanding your State Pension forecast

If you have received your State Pension forecast and need further help understanding what it means, read ‘Understanding the State Pension forecast’.

• Understanding your State Pension forecast

National Insurance and your State Pension forecast

If you have received your State Pension forecast and need help understanding the affect National Insurance may have on your forecast, then read the following.

• National Insurance and your State Pension forecast