The qualifying rule for the state pension are changing very soon
The DWP may introduce more changes to the qualifying criteria for the state pension. This development comes as the eligibility requirements for the state pension are already being changed this year.
Currently, you can claim your state pension when you turn 66. However, from April 2026 the qualifying age is rising, increasing gradually to reach 67 by April 2028. The Government’s expenditure on the state pension is expected to balloon in the coming years, as more people reach state pension age and the triple lock pushes up payment rates. This raise the question as to whether ministers will further tighten the qualifying criteria for the state pension, to help keep the policy affordable. One potential approach could be to increase the National Insurance contributions required to qualify for your payments.
Under existing rules, you typically need 35 years of contributions to qualify for the full new state pension, which pays £230.25 weekly. This will increase to £241.30 weekly when payments rise 4.8 percent in April.
Avoiding an outright tax rise
Alex Pugh, chartered financial planner at wealth management firm Saltus, weighed up the possibility of the DWP changing the National Insurance rules for the state pension. She said: “One of the ways the Government could look to raise additional revenue would be to increase the number of National Insurance contributions required to qualify for a full state pension.
“At the moment, people need 35 qualifying years, but even a small increase to 36 or 37 years would shift costs onto future retirees without the immediate shock of an outright tax rise.” She explained how the Government could make the case for making people contribute additional National Insurance years.
Ms Pugh said: “It makes sense from a policy perspective because the state pension age is already rising in line with longevity – so asking people to work and contribute for a few extra years aligns with that trend. While it would still impact retirement planning, it’s likely to be less politically damaging than freezing allowances or introducing new taxes, and it’s a relatively straightforward lever for the Treasury to pull.”
To receive any state pension payment, you must have paid in at least 10 years of National Insurance contributions. Labour confirmed in 2025 that there would be a further review of the state pension age.
More changes to the state pension rules coming up
Current legislation stipulates the state pension age will increase from 67 to 68 between 2044 and 2046. However, a previous examination of this policy, published in 2023, recommended accelerating this timeline.
The previous Conservative Government chose not to implement this recommendation. With the triple lock rise approaching for state pensioners, recipients may want to look at their eligibility for other Government assistance.
People of state pension age on a low income may be eligible for Pension Credit, which typically provides around £4,300 in annual support. Also, if you have a health condition or disability meaning you require assistance with daily care, you might qualify for Attendance Allowance.
This benefit is paid at either £73.90 per week or £110.40 per week. You can also use the state pension forecast calculator on the Government’s website to see how much state pension you’re projected to receive.
