A forecast is not a claim
You do not receive the new State Pension automatically: GOV.UK says you must claim it. An estimate, an invitation letter and a submitted application are different stages. Checking a forecast or marking an All Pensions reminder does not submit a claim.
Start with the official claim guidance and check which scheme and route apply. The basic/new scheme guide explains the distinction; this page focuses on preparation for the new-scheme route.
Choose the route for where you live
The government guide gives online, phone and postal routes with timing conditions. An online application needs an invitation code, and the page explains requesting one when its conditions are met. Northern Ireland and abroad, including the Channel Islands, have different routes.
Open the current guidance rather than copying a claim link from an old message. If you have already deferred, use the relevant deferred-claim instructions. All Pensions does not collect an invitation code or log into the claim service.
Gather the required details privately
GOV.UK lists bank details, relevant relationship dates, periods spent living or working abroad and foreign social security numbers among the information needed. Follow the official service’s current list and provide these details there, not in this library.
For organisation, keep a private preparation list that distinguishes “available”, “needs checking” and “question for the service”. Do not assume a pension-provider reference can substitute for a government claim requirement. Keep copies only where you can protect them.
Keep evidence of submission and later changes
After applying, GOV.UK says to tell the Pension Service about changes in circumstances. It also says you can claim the new State Pension while continuing to work. Stopping work and claiming State Pension are separate decisions.
Keep any acknowledgement and decision with their dates and exact wording. If you do not know whether a submission succeeded, ask the official service to clarify rather than marking it complete because a page closed. This guide neither confirms submission nor chooses a claim date for you.
Sources & review
- GOV.UK: How to claim the new State PensionChecked 2026-10-04
Next scheduled review: 2027-01-04. Provider details can change sooner. Use the official website for the current contact route.
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