In the UK, the State Pension is a regular payment from the government that most people can start claiming when they reach the State Pension age. However, some individuals may be eligible for an early State Pension under certain circumstances. In this article, we’ll cover when you can claim your State Pension early, who qualifies, and what you need to know before applying.
What is the State Pension?
The State Pension is a government-provided income for people of pensionable age, based on their National Insurance (NI) contributions throughout their working life. There are two types of State Pension in the UK:
- Basic State Pension – for people who reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016.
- New State Pension – for those who reached pension age after April 6, 2016.
To qualify for the full State Pension, you need to have contributed a certain number of years to National Insurance. Currently, for the New State Pension, you need at least 10 qualifying years, and to get the full amount, you need 35 qualifying years.
Can You Get Your State Pension Early?
In most cases, you can’t claim the State Pension early. The State Pension age is the age at which you can start receiving it, and it depends on your birth date. For most people, the State Pension age is currently 66, but this will gradually increase to 67 between 2026 and 2028 and may rise further.
However, there are specific situations where you may be able to access your pension early.
Who Can Get an Early State Pension?
- Ill Health or Disability
If you are unable to work due to ill health or a disability, you may qualify for an early State Pension. In this case, you will need to apply and provide medical evidence proving that you are unable to continue working. - Terminal Illness
People with a terminal illness can sometimes access their pension earlier than the official State Pension age. In these cases, it’s crucial to speak to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) about how to claim your pension early. - Occupational Pensions
While the State Pension itself is not typically paid out early, if you have an occupational or personal pension, you may be able to start drawing from it earlier than the State Pension age, typically from age 55. This does not affect your eligibility for the State Pension later. - Claiming Deferral Benefits
Though this does not technically allow for an “early” claim, it’s worth noting that some people choose to defer their State Pension to receive larger payments later. If you are considering this option, ensure you understand how it might impact your overall retirement income.
How to Qualify for the Early State Pension
If you meet the criteria for early access due to ill health or disability, the process typically involves:
- Contacting the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) – You’ll need to apply for early pension and provide relevant medical documentation to support your claim.
- Medical Assessment – Depending on your condition, the DWP may require further assessments or evidence from your GP or specialist.
- Receiving Reduced Payments – In some cases, early pension access due to ill health can mean receiving reduced payments for the rest of your life, so it’s essential to understand the long-term impact.
Alternatives to Early State Pension
If you’re looking for ways to access retirement income before the State Pension age, here are some alternatives:
- Personal or Workplace Pension
Most private and workplace pensions allow you to start drawing benefits from age 55. If you need income before reaching State Pension age, you can consider taking from your personal pension. - Pension Credit
If you’re on a low income, you might be eligible for Pension Credit before reaching State Pension age. This is a benefit aimed at supplementing the income of people who haven’t yet reached the age to claim their State Pension but need financial support. - Savings or Investments
If you have savings or investments, these can be another source of income until you become eligible for the State Pension.
Things to Consider Before Taking Your Pension Early
Before you decide to apply for early access to your pension, there are a few important factors to consider:
- Lower Payments: If you access your pension early due to ill health, you may receive lower payments than you would at the standard State Pension age. Make sure you understand how this will impact your long-term financial stability.
- Impact on Benefits: Accessing your pension early may affect other benefits you receive, such as disability or income support. Always check with the DWP or a financial advisor to understand how this might impact your situation.
- Pension Age Changes: The State Pension age is set to increase in the future. While this doesn’t affect those claiming early due to health reasons, it may impact how you plan for retirement.
Conclusion
While most people in the UK will have to wait until they reach the official State Pension age to claim their State Pension, there are limited cases where you can get it earlier. If you are suffering from a long-term illness or disability, or have a terminal diagnosis, you may be eligible for early access. In all cases, it’s essential to understand how claiming early can affect your future financial stability.
If you think you might qualify for an early State Pension, it’s a good idea to contact the DWP or seek financial advice to ensure you’re making the best decision for your situation.