How to Check Your State Pension Forecast
Why Check Your Forecast?
Your State Pension forecast shows how much you will receive and when. For self-employed people, it also reveals any gaps in your National Insurance record that could reduce your pension. Checking takes five minutes and could alert you to issues worth thousands of pounds.
How to Check
- Go to GOV.UK and search for "Check your State Pension forecast"
- Sign in with your Government Gateway account (create one if needed)
- View your forecast
What Your Forecast Shows
- Your projected weekly State Pension amount — based on your current NI record
- Your State Pension age — when you can start receiving it
- How many qualifying years you have — each year counts towards the full 35 needed
- How many more years you can build — between now and State Pension age
- Any gaps in your record — years where you did not pay enough NI
What to Do with the Results
If You Have Gaps
Check whether you can fill them with voluntary NI contributions. For self-employed people, voluntary Class 2 contributions cost just £179.40 per year — extraordinary value for the additional pension they generate.
If You Are On Track
Great. But keep checking annually, especially if your income or employment status changes.
If Your Forecast Is Lower Than Expected
This may be because you have not yet reached 35 qualifying years. Each additional year you work and pay NI will increase your forecast until you reach the full amount.
Check Annually
Make it a habit to check your forecast once a year, perhaps when you complete your Self Assessment. It takes minutes and keeps you informed.
Use Accounted to track your self-employment income and ensure your NI contributions are on track.
Five minutes now could mean thousands more in retirement. Sign up for Accounted and stay on top of your self-employment finances.
Tax & Compliance Specialists
Our tax specialists have decades of combined experience in UK sole trader and small business taxation, MTD compliance, and HMRC submissions. All content is reviewed against current HMRC guidance before publication and updated quarterly to reflect legislative changes.
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