The Basic State Pension

The basic State Pension offered by the UK government is the main benefit offered by the State Pension system. In order to qualify for a State Pension you must first have a National Insurance number. You will have one sent to you automatically if you are a UK citizen, but you will need to apply for a number if you are a foreign national (see National Insurance Number). Once you have a number, you will be required to make National Insurance contributions (see National Insurance Contributions). The contributions you make will depend on how you work and how much you earn: see National Insurance Contribution Classes. If you are a volunteer development worker or a share fisherman, you will be required to pay special contributions (see Specialised Class Two Contributions). If you are unable to work you may qualify for National Insurance credits (see National Insurance Credits), or Home Responsibilities Protection (see Home Responsibilities Protection). Once you have reached State Pension Age (see State Pension Age), you should be sent a claim form automatically. For more information see Claiming State Pension.