You can request a State Pension forecast online through GOV.UK using your National Insurance number and personal details. Before you start, confirm that your address and marital status records are up to date with HMRC and DWP systems where relevant.
The forecast shows the weekly amount you may receive based on your National Insurance record to date, plus what you might get if you continue contributing until State Pension age. Gaps from years abroad, self-employment, or caring responsibilities sometimes appear as lower qualifying years.
If you see gaps, check whether voluntary Class 3 contributions or credits for caring might still apply—deadlines and rules change, so verify current GOV.UK guidance rather than relying on older articles.
A forecast alone does not tell you whether your workplace pensions and savings will cover the rest of your spending. That comparison is where Retirement Income Planning sessions earn their keep: lining up State Pension, private pots, and a realistic monthly budget side by side.
Bring the printed or saved forecast PDF to your consultation so we are working from the same numbers rather than estimates.