How to Increase Your Pension: 8 Ways to Boost It in the UK (2026)

Whether retirement is years away or just around the corner, there are often ways to increase your pension. Some are about your State Pension, such as filling gaps in your National Insurance record or putting off your claim. Others are about workplace and personal pensions, such as making sure you get your employer's contributions and the tax relief you are due.

This guide explains the main options in the UK. It is general information, not personal advice. For decisions about your own pension, take regulated financial advice.

1. Check your State Pension forecast and National Insurance record

Start with GOV.UK's free State Pension forecast. It tells you how much State Pension you could get, when you can get it, and whether you can increase it. You can also check your National Insurance record online to see any gaps.

The full new State Pension is £241.30 a week in 2026/27. You usually need 10 qualifying years on your National Insurance record to get any new State Pension, and 35 years for the full rate if your record started after April 2016.

2. Top up your State Pension with voluntary National Insurance

If you have gaps in your record, you may be able to fill them by paying voluntary National Insurance contributions. Gaps can happen if you had low earnings, lived abroad, or were not working and not claiming benefits.

• Class 3 voluntary contributions cost £18.40 a week for the 2026/27 tax year.
• You can usually only pay for the past 6 years. The deadline is 5 April each year.
• Paying does not always increase your State Pension, for example if you were "contracted out". Check your forecast first, or contact the Future Pension Centre (or the Pension Service if you have reached State Pension age).
• Check whether you can get National Insurance credits for free before paying. Credits are given in some situations, such as when you are caring for someone or claiming certain benefits.

3. Think about deferring your State Pension

You do not have to claim your State Pension as soon as you reach State Pension age. If you put it off (defer it), it grows.

• If you reached State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016, you get 1% extra for every 9 weeks you defer. That is just under 5.8% for every year.
• For example, deferring the full new State Pension for 52 weeks adds £13.99 a week for life.
• GOV.UK points out that it would take over 15 years to get back the State Pension you gave up by deferring for a year.
• You cannot build up extra State Pension while you or your partner get certain benefits, such as Pension Credit. Deferring can also affect other benefits.

Deferring suits some people but not others. It depends on your health, your other income and your tax position.

4. Make the most of your workplace pension

If you are an employee aged between 22 and State Pension age and earn at least £10,000 a year, your employer must enrol you in a workplace pension and pay into it. This is called automatic enrolment.

• The legal minimum total contribution is usually 8% of qualifying earnings, with at least 3% from your employer.
• Some employers pay more than the minimum, or will match extra contributions. Ask your employer what is on offer.
• You can opt out, but then your employer stops paying in for you. If you opt out within a month of being enrolled, you get back what you have paid. Think carefully before doing this.

5. Get the tax relief you are due

The government adds tax relief to money you pay into a registered pension.

• In "relief at source" schemes, your provider claims basic-rate relief at 20% and adds it to your pot. So £80 you pay in becomes £100.
• If you pay tax at a higher rate, you may need to claim the extra relief yourself, usually through a Self Assessment tax return.
• You can get tax relief on contributions up to 100% of your earnings, within an annual allowance of £60,000. Check the GOV.UK rules if you pay in large amounts.

6. Find lost pensions and keep track of your pots

If you have changed jobs several times, you may have small pensions you have forgotten about. The free Pension Tracing Service on GOV.UK can find contact details for old workplace or personal pension schemes. It will not tell you whether you have a pension or what it is worth, but it can point you to the provider.

Some people choose to combine pots. This can make them easier to manage and may cut charges. But older pensions can have valuable guarantees that would be lost if you transfer, and there may be exit fees. Take regulated advice before moving a pension.

7. Get free guidance from Pension Wise

If you are over 50 and have a defined contribution pension (a pension pot), you can book a free appointment with Pension Wise from MoneyHelper. It is government-backed guidance on your options for taking money from your pot. It does not recommend products.

Some pension schemes also let you take out up to £500 to pay for financial advice on retirement, once a year and up to 3 times, without a tax charge. Ask your provider.

8. Check for extra help in retirement

Once you reach State Pension age, you may be able to get Pension Credit if you are on a low income, even if you have some savings. It tops up your weekly income to £238 if you are single or £363.25 for a couple in 2026/27. If you need help with personal care, Attendance Allowance is not means-tested. Our article on pensioners missing out on DWP payments has more.

If you are planning for care costs later in life, our paying for care guide and care fees calculator can help you plan.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to start paying into a pension?

Generally, the earlier the better, because money paid in has longer to grow. But it is never too late to check your State Pension forecast or look at your workplace pension.

How does pension tax relief work?

The government adds tax relief to your contributions. In relief at source schemes, your provider adds 20% basic-rate relief, so £80 you pay in becomes £100. Higher-rate taxpayers may need to claim the rest through Self Assessment. Relief is limited to 100% of your earnings and an annual allowance of £60,000.

Can I take money from my pension before retirement?

For most workplace and personal pensions, you can usually take money from your pot from age 55, depending on your scheme's rules. You may be able to take it earlier if you are retiring because of ill health. Be wary of anyone offering to help you get money out before 55. This could be an unauthorised payment taxed at up to 55%. The State Pension cannot be taken before State Pension age.

What happens to my pension if I change jobs?

Your workplace pension still belongs to you. If you stop paying in, the money stays invested and you get a pension when you reach the scheme's pension age. You can join your new employer's scheme. Some schemes let you transfer to another scheme, depending on their rules. Keep your contact details up to date with each provider, and take regulated advice before transferring, especially from a defined benefit (final salary) scheme.

Should I combine my old pension pots?

Combining pots can make them easier to manage and may reduce fees. But some older pensions have valuable guarantees, and exit fees may apply. The right choice depends on your circumstances, so take regulated advice first.

Is it worth paying voluntary National Insurance?

It can be, but not always. Check your State Pension forecast or contact the Future Pension Centre before you pay. GOV.UK will tell you if paying would increase your State Pension.

Sources

• Check your State Pension forecast (GOV.UK)
• Check your National Insurance record (GOV.UK)
• The new State Pension (GOV.UK)
• Voluntary National Insurance (GOV.UK)
• Defer (delay) your State Pension (GOV.UK)
• Workplace pensions (GOV.UK)
• Tax on your private pension contributions (GOV.UK)
• Find pension contact details (GOV.UK)
• Plan your retirement income (GOV.UK)
• Early retirement, your pension and benefits (GOV.UK)
• Pension Credit (GOV.UK)
• Attendance Allowance (GOV.UK)