You do not get your State Pension automatically - you have to claim it. You should get a letter no later than 2 months before you reach State Pension age, telling you what to do.

 

You can either claim your State Pension or delay (defer) claiming it.

 

If you want to defer, you do not have to do anything. Your pension will automatically be deferred until you claim it.

 

Deferring your State Pension could increase the payments you get when you decide to claim it. Any extra payments you get from deferring could be taxed.

 

You cannot get extra State Pension if you get certain benefits. Deferring can also affect how much you can get in benefits.

 

You must tell the Pension Service if you are on benefits and you want to defer.