The State Pension remains a crucial income source for many retired couples across the UK. But one question that often causes confusion is: how much is State Pension for a couple?
Unlike other benefits, the State Pension isn’t awarded jointly. Instead, each individual’s entitlement is calculated based on their own National Insurance (NI) contributions. This leads many to wonder what they can realistically expect as a couple and whether there are any extra payments, rules, or exceptions they need to know.
In this article, we provide a full, updated breakdown of what couples can expect from the UK State Pension in 2025 — whether you’re both retired, one is still working, or you’re planning your retirement together.
What Is the State Pension and How Does It Work?
The State Pension is a regular payment from the UK government to individuals who have reached State Pension age (currently 66 for both men and women, rising to 67 between 2026 and 2028). To qualify, you must have built up enough years of National Insurance contributions or credits.
There are two types of State Pension systems in the UK:
- The New State Pension – for those who reached pension age on or after 6 April 2016
- The Basic State Pension – for those who reached pension age before 6 April 2016
If both partners in a couple are eligible, each will receive their own State Pension payment, and the total income for the couple will be the sum of the two individual pensions.
How Much Is the Full New State Pension in 2025?
As of April 2025, the full New State Pension is:
£221.20 per week, or £11,502.40 per year
This figure is based on having 35 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions. If you have fewer than 35 years, your pension is reduced proportionally, with a minimum of 10 years required to get anything at all.
If both individuals in a couple qualify for the full New State Pension, then together they could receive:
£442.40 per week, or £23,004.80 per year
Keep in mind that any additional private pensions, workplace pensions, or retirement income sources would be on top of this.
Can a Couple Get a Joint State Pension?
The short answer is: no, couples do not receive a joint State Pension in the UK. Each person’s entitlement is based entirely on their own National Insurance record.
However, some older rules from the Basic State Pension system still allow for certain couples — mainly those who reached pension age before 6 April 2016 — to benefit from spouse-related claims. These include:
- Married women who could claim based on their husband’s NI contributions
- Widows or widowers who may inherit part of their deceased partner’s pension
- Divorced individuals who might benefit from their ex-spouse’s NI record (up to the point of divorce)
But for most people retiring today or in future years, the New State Pension rules apply, and pensions are completely individualised.
What Happens if One Person Has Low or No NI Contributions?
If one partner doesn’t have enough qualifying years — for instance, due to time out of work, raising children, or health issues — there are still options to boost their entitlement:
1. Claim NI Credits
Caring for children, claiming benefits like Universal Credit, or acting as a carer can earn you National Insurance credits that count toward your record.
2. Buy Voluntary NI Contributions
You can fill in gaps in your record by buying Class 3 NI contributions. As of 2025, these cost £17.45 per missing week and could significantly increase your future pension.
3. Apply for Pension Credit
If your combined income as a couple is below £319.45 per week, you may qualify for Pension Credit — an income top-up that could also open access to other benefits such as free prescriptions, Housing Benefit, and Council Tax support.
What Is Pension Credit and How Can It Help Couples?
Pension Credit is an often overlooked income supplement aimed at retirees on low income. It’s means-tested, and many eligible couples miss out simply because they’re unaware of it.
As of 2025, the guaranteed credit level for couples is:
£319.45 per week
If your combined pension or retirement income falls below this threshold, Pension Credit will top up your income to meet it. You may also qualify for:
- Help with housing costs
- Free NHS dental treatment
- Cold Weather Payments and Warm Home Discount
- Assistance with Council Tax
You can apply online, by phone, or through a home visit if needed. It’s worth checking even if you think your income is borderline — thousands of couples are missing out on support they could legally claim.
What if Only One Partner Has Reached State Pension Age?
It’s increasingly common for couples to have an age gap, meaning one partner may reach pension age while the other hasn’t. In these cases:
- The partner over pension age will receive their own State Pension
- The younger partner must wait until they reach the eligible age
During this time, joint income may be lower. If the household income is below certain levels, you may still qualify for Universal Credit or Pension Credit (if the older partner is eligible).
Note: If you’re in a mixed-age couple, the older partner’s eligibility for Pension Credit now depends on both partners being over pension age — a change introduced in 2019.
Can You Inherit a Partner’s State Pension?
Under certain circumstances, you may inherit part of your spouse or civil partner’s State Pension when they pass away. This depends on the type of State Pension they were receiving:
Under the Basic State Pension system:
- You may inherit part or all of their Additional State Pension
- You could also qualify for a pension based on their NI contributions
Under the New State Pension system:
- Inheritance is more limited, but you might inherit a protected payment or certain top-ups
- Bereavement Support Payments may also be available
Each case is different, so it’s important to contact the Pension Service to check what you may be entitled to.
What Is the Best Way to Plan as a Couple?
Because State Pension entitlements are individual, it’s wise for couples to take a joined-up approach to retirement planning. Consider the following:
- Check both NI records at gov.uk/check-national-insurance-record
- Identify and fill any gaps with voluntary contributions
- Use the State Pension forecast tool at gov.uk/check-state-pension
- Consider whether Pension Credit or other benefits may apply
- Speak to a retirement adviser or use a free guidance service like Pension Wise
Final Thoughts: How Much Is State Pension for a Couple?
To summarise, here’s what couples in the UK need to know in 2025:
- There is no combined State Pension — each partner qualifies individually
- The full New State Pension is £221.20 per week per person, or £442.40 combined
- If one person has gaps in their NI record, there are ways to boost or supplement their pension
- Pension Credit is available for couples with low income
- Planning early and reviewing both partners’ NI contributions is essential
Understanding how the State Pension works for couples helps you make smarter financial choices and secure the income you’ll rely on in retirement.
