The old State Pension (before 2016)
What is the old State Pension?
The State Pension is a regular payment from the government based on your previous National Insurance contributions.
There are two different systems for claiming State Pension. The information on this page applies if you reached State Pension age on or before 5 April 2016, that is, if you are:
- a woman born on or before 5 April 1953
- a man born on or before 5 April 1951
It’s the date that you reach State Pension age that’s important, not when you start to claim it.
If you were born after the above dates and therefore reach State Pension age after 5 April 2016, the new State Pension rules will apply to you.
The old State Pension includes two parts:
- a basic amount based on your previous National Insurance contributions
- an additional amount also based on your National Insurance contributions, but this takes into account your earnings and whether you claimed benefits too.
The old State Pension is sometimes referred to as 'the basic State Pension'.
Can I claim the old State Pension?
You need to have at least 30 years of NI contributions or credits to receive the full amount. If you’re a woman born before 6 April 1950 or a man born before 6 April 1945, you may need more years of NI contributions. If this applies to you, it's a good idea to seek specialist advice.
Qualifying NI contributions include contributions that you made when you were working and contributions that were credited to you if you were unable to work. For example, you may have received NI credits if you were caring for a child or someone living with a disability, or if you claimed certain benefits.
Can I claim State Pension and carry on working?
Yes, you can, but here are some things you should bear in mind:
- Any money you earn won’t affect your State Pension, but it may affect your entitlement to other benefits such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or assistance from the Council Tax Reduction Scheme.
- Be aware too that State Pension is taxable, so when added to your earnings it may put you into a higher tax band.
- When you reach State Pension age, you won’t have to pay National Insurance anymore, even if you keep on working.
How much State Pension will I get?
The full basic State Pension under the old system is currently £184.90 per week (in the 2026-27 financial year). This is for people who have all the qualifying years of NI contributions for their date of birth.
If you don't have all the qualifying years of NI contributions, you'll be paid a proportion of the full amount based on the number of years of NI contributions that you do have. For example, if you’ve paid 15 years of NI contributions when you claim, you’re entitled to 15/30th of the full amount – or £92.45 a week.
As well as the basic amount under the old system, you may get an additional amount. This is also based on your National Insurance contributions. How much you get depends on your earnings and whether you claim certain benefits.
For more information call Age Cymru Advice on 0300 303 44 98.