State pension UK: How to claim the state pension – what to do to ensure you don't miss out

The state pension is something many people may look forward to receiving, once they reach state pension age. Many will rely on the money during their later years, meaning it’s important to be aware of how to get it. There are two types of state pension, the basic and the new version, and this may affect how you claim. A man born before April 6 1951 and a woman born before April 6 1953 should claim the basic state pension, while new state pension rules apply to those born on or after that date.

How to claim the basic state pension

There are three different ways to claim the basic state pension, if you live in England, Scotland or Wales.

First of all, you can do so over the phone, by calling the state pension claim line.

This is available between Monday and Friday, from 8am to 6pm – excluding bank holidays.

If you cannot hear or speak on the phone, then it’s also possible to use a text service.

Alternatively, you an download the state pension claim form from the gov.uk website.

Once you’ve filled it in, send it to your local pension centre.

You can also claim the state pension abroad, by contacting the International Pension Centre or sending them an international claim form.

How to claim the new state pension

You need to claim the new state pension, and no later than two months before you reach state pension age, you should receive a letter explaining this.

However, if your invitation letter does not arrive, you can still make a claim.

There are four ways to do this, if you live in England, Scotland or Wales, with one being over the phone.

You can also download the state pension claim form and send it to your local pension centre.

It’s also possible to make the claim online via the gov.uk website.

Those living abroad can claim their state pension by contacting the International Pension Centre.

You may also send the international claim form to the International Pension Centre.

The state pension amount rises each year, in accordance with the triple lock guarantee.

However, a recent report by a House of Lords Select Committee has urged the government to scrap the triple lock system.

source: express.co.uk