JohnWayne
A growing number of UK state pensioners are discovering that their weekly payments are far below expectations, with more than 200,000 retirees receiving under £115 per week from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
This is sparking concern about the adequacy of retirement income and the widespread misunderstanding around State Pension entitlements.
Understanding the State Pension Shortfall
While the full new State Pension for the financial year 2025/26 is set at £230.25 per week (or £11,973 annually), figures reveal that over two million pensioners are not receiving the full amount.
In fact, nearly half of all claimants under the new system are getting less than the maximum entitlement, with over 200,000 individuals receiving less than half—that is, less than £115 a week.
This issue primarily affects those who do not have the full 35 years of qualifying National Insurance (NI) contributions—a requirement for receiving the full new State Pension.
What’s Causing the Reduced Payments?
There are several key reasons why pensioners are getting lower payments:
- Insufficient NI Contributions: Those who have fewer than 35 qualifying years may receive a reduced pension.
- Gaps in NI Records: Time spent out of the workforce, especially while raising children or dealing with illness, can lead to missed credits.
- Contracted-out Employment: Workers who were in certain employer pension schemes may have paid lower NI contributions, reducing their entitlement.
- Unawareness: Many people assume they’re automatically entitled to the full pension, without checking their record.
State Pension Payment Summary
| Category | Weekly Pension Amount | Annual Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Full New State Pension (2025/26) | £230.25 | £11,973 |
| Half of Full State Pension | £115.12 | £5,986 |
| Lowest Recorded Payments | Below £115 | Below £5,986 |
| Number of Pensioners Affected | Over 2 million | – |
| Receiving Less Than Half the Pension | Over 200,000 | – |
Who Is Most Affected?
The group most at risk includes:
- Pensioners born before 1959, who are over 66 and already in retirement.
- People with broken work histories, such as caregivers, part-time workers, or those who lived abroad.
- Individuals unaware of their NI shortfall or the option to buy back missing years.
How to Check Your State Pension Forecast
If you’re nearing retirement, the best step is to request a State Pension forecast. This will give you a breakdown of your contributions, expected weekly amount, and whether you can improve it by:
- Filling in NI gaps
- Buying voluntary NI contributions
- Claiming missed credits (e.g. for parenting, unemployment, or caring)
You can do this through your GOV.UK online account or by contacting the Pension Service.
What Can Be Done to Fix the Gap?
To avoid nasty surprises, consider these key actions:
- Review your NI record annually
- Top-up your NI if you have shortfalls (available for up to 6 previous years)
- Claim backdated NI credits where eligible
- Seek advice early, ideally 5–10 years before retirement
Real-Life Impact of Lower Payments
For a retiree receiving only £115 per week, the difference compared to the full pension is £115.25 weekly or £5,987 annually. That could mean:
- Reduced ability to pay for heating, rent, or groceries
- Increased reliance on additional benefits like Pension Credit
- Less financial independence in retirement
The fact that over 200,000 pensioners are receiving less than £115 a week highlights the need for better awareness and preparation for retirement.
State Pension isn’t guaranteed in full, and without 35 years of National Insurance contributions, your entitlement will fall short.
To protect your financial future, act early—check your record, fill any gaps, and plan ahead. Retirement should be a time of peace, not surprise shortfalls.
FAQs
Why am I getting less than the full State Pension?
You likely have fewer than 35 years of qualifying NI contributions or were contracted out of the full pension scheme.
Can I increase my State Pension after I start receiving it?
Yes, you may be able to buy missing NI years or claim Pension Credit to supplement your income.
Where can I check how much State Pension I will receive?
You can use the State Pension Forecast tool on GOV.UK to check your exact entitlement.