Calculator vs the official forecast
This site gives a quick estimate from the facts you type in. The official forecast uses your National Insurance record.
Key takeaways
- This calculator does not log in and does not read a National Insurance record.
- The GOV.UK forecast shows the pension built so far, what you could reach by State Pension age, and whether a gap can still be paid.
- The two figures differ when the year count is wrong, you were contracted out, or you have a protected or inherited amount.
- Credits, reduced-rate stamps and self-employed contributions can also move the official figure.
- Use this site for the age, the full-rate maths and the Class 3 price. Use the forecast before you pay for a gap or decide when to claim.
The difference
The State Pension forecast shows the pension you have built so far, what you could get if you contribute until State Pension age, and whether you can improve it. It needs a Government Gateway login. The UK State Pension Calculator does not, so you can get a first answer before you sign in.
When the two results differ
The two results differ when:
- your qualifying years are not the number you typed
- you were contracted out before April 2016
- you have a protected payment or inherited pension
- some years are credits, reduced-rate stamps, or self-employed contributions
- you live in a country where the pension is frozen
Which to use
Use this calculator to see the age, the full-rate maths and the cost of a Class 3 year. Then use the forecast before you pay for gaps or decide when to claim. The method is on how we calculate.
Reviewed by
Chartered Financial Planner
FCA, CFP® and FCII. Director of Mason Beaufort Financial Planning Co Ltd, specialising in UK pensions since 2001.