Turning 66 marks a major milestone for millions of people across the UK — it’s the age at which you become eligible to claim the State Pension. But one common question that many approaching retirement ask is:
“How long after my 66th birthday will I get my State Pension?”
The answer depends on how and when you claim, and there are a few key steps and timelines to understand. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process, important timeframes, and what you can expect when entering this new chapter of life.
What Is the State Pension and Why Does It Start at 66?
The State Pension is a regular payment from the UK government that most people can receive once they reach the official State Pension age. As of June 2025, this age is 66 years for both men and women.
This payment is based on your National Insurance (NI) record — you usually need at least 10 qualifying years to receive anything and 35 years to get the full amount.
From April 2025, the full new State Pension is £221.20 per week, paid every 4 weeks (totalling around £884.80 per payment).
But here’s the key part: reaching your 66th birthday doesn’t mean you’ll get paid immediately.
You have to actively claim your State Pension, and payments typically begin a few weeks after your birthday — but only if you’ve followed the proper steps.
How Long After My 66th Birthday Will I Get My State Pension?
Step 1: You’re Invited to Claim
About 4 months before your 66th birthday, the DWP should send you a letter inviting you to claim your State Pension. This gives you plenty of time to prepare and submit your application.
If you don’t receive the letter, don’t wait — you can still claim manually. Missing this step can delay your first payment.
Step 2: You Submit a Claim
You can claim your pension online at gov.uk, by phone, or via a paper form. The process is usually straightforward, but ensure all your information is accurate, such as your National Insurance number and bank account details.
Once your claim is received, it typically takes up to 6 weeks for your first payment to arrive, depending on processing times.
Step 3: Payment Is Made in Arrears
Here’s the part that surprises many people:
Your State Pension is paid in arrears — which means you’re paid for the previous 4 weeks, not the upcoming 4.
So, if your pension start date is the day you turn 66, and your claim is successful, your first payment will usually arrive 4–6 weeks later, covering the pension you’ve already accrued in that period.
When Will I Get My First State Pension Payment?
The answer to “how long after my 66th birthday will I get my State Pension?” depends on when you claim and how close to your birthday you are.
Here’s the breakdown:
You Can Claim Up to 4 Months Before Your 66th Birthday
You won’t be paid until after you turn 66, but you can submit your claim up to four months in advance. This is the most efficient way to ensure your payments begin as soon as possible after your birthday.
For example, if your 66th birthday is on 1 September 2025, you can apply from 1 May 2025 onwards. If you do this, your first payment will usually arrive within 5 to 6 weeks of your birthday, depending on your payment schedule.
Payment Starts From the Day You Reach State Pension Age
Your State Pension is calculated from the day you reach State Pension age — not the date you apply. However, you won’t receive money automatically on that day. The first payment will follow the government’s 4-week payment cycle, and the exact date depends on your National Insurance number.
So, in most cases, you’ll receive your first payment within 6 weeks after your 66th birthday — assuming your claim has been submitted and processed in time.
What Happens If I Claim Late?
If you don’t claim the State Pension straight away, you won’t lose the money. Instead, your entitlement is backdated to your 66th birthday — or the date you reached pension age.
You can also choose to defer your State Pension deliberately, which can increase your payments later. For every 9 weeks you defer, your State Pension increases by around 1%, or about 5.8% for a full year.
This might be useful if you’re still working, in good health, or prefer a higher income later.
How Are State Pension Payments Scheduled?
Payments are made every 4 weeks directly into your bank account. The exact day of the week your payment arrives is determined by the last two digits of your National Insurance number:
| NI Number Ends In | Payment Day |
|---|---|
| 00 to 19 | Monday |
| 20 to 39 | Tuesday |
| 40 to 59 | Wednesday |
| 60 to 79 | Thursday |
| 80 to 99 | Friday |
So if your NI number ends in 47, your pension will be paid every Wednesday after your start date.
What If There Are Delays?
In most cases, if you claim in advance, your payments will begin smoothly within the 5–6 week window. But delays can happen, especially if:
- You claim late
- There are gaps in your NI record
- You need to provide additional evidence
- There’s a backlog in processing
If you’re concerned, you can call the Pension Service at 0800 731 7898 (Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm) or log into your State Pension account online.
How to Claim Your State Pension
Here’s how to make sure your pension begins without unnecessary delay:
1. Receive Your State Pension Invitation
You’ll get a letter around 2–4 months before your 66th birthday, inviting you to claim. This letter will include a unique invitation code.
2. Apply Online, by Phone, or by Post
Most people find it easiest to apply online via GOV.UK — it’s quick and efficient.
- Online: https://www.gov.uk/get-state-pension Apply for State Pension
- Phone: 0800 731 7898
- Post: Use the form included in your letter (if applicable)
You’ll need:
- Your National Insurance number
- Bank account details
- The date you wish to start your pension (can’t be before your 66th birthday)
3. Track Your Payment
Once your application is accepted, you’ll get a confirmation letter with your payment start date and amount. Mark the calendar — and expect your first payment within a few weeks.
What If I’m Still Working?
You can still work while receiving the State Pension. It is not means-tested, so your income from work or savings won’t affect your entitlement.
However, you’ll pay tax if your total income (State Pension + other income) exceeds your Personal Allowance, which is currently £12,570 per year.
Note: You no longer need to pay National Insurance on employment income after you reach State Pension age, which may give your pay a slight boost.
Summary: How Long After My 66th Birthday Will I Get My State Pension?
To put it simply:
- You become eligible for the State Pension on your 66th birthday
- Payments do not start automatically — you must actively claim
- If you claim in advance, expect your first payment within 5–6 weeks after turning 66
- Your payment date depends on your NI number
- You can backdate or defer if needed — there’s flexibility in how and when you claim
Final Thoughts
Preparing for your State Pension is more than marking your 66th birthday on the calendar — it’s about understanding your options, planning your finances, and taking timely action to make the most of what you’re entitled to.
With the information in this guide, you should now feel confident in answering the question:
“How long after my 66th birthday will I get my State Pension?”
Whether you plan to retire fully, continue working, or delay claiming for a higher future income, the system is built to support your choices, as long as you stay informed and proactive.
