State pension deferral: boosting your weekly payment
Where a link is marked *, it is a partner link — we receive commission at no extra cost to you. Links without a * earn us nothing. How we make money.
Quick answer: You can delay claiming your UK state pension and receive a higher weekly amount when you do start — roughly 1% extra for every nine weeks deferred, or about 5.8% per year.
You do not have to start your state pension at state pension age. Deferring increases your weekly payment when you eventually claim. For healthy people who have other income sources, deferring can provide a meaningful uplift — but it is not right for everyone, especially those who need the income immediately or have health concerns.
Last reviewed:
Read the full pensions & retirement guide →Primary source: www.gov.uk/deferring-state-pension
How much extra you get
For every nine weeks you defer, your weekly state pension rises by about 1%. Deferring for one year adds roughly 5.8% to your weekly amount permanently.
You can take the accumulated increase as a higher weekly payment or, if you defer for at least 12 months, as a lump sum with 2% compound interest above the Bank of England base rate.
When deferral makes sense
Deferral suits people who have sufficient income from work, other pensions, or savings and are in good health. The uplift is a form of longevity insurance — you benefit more the longer you live.
It is less attractive if you need the state pension to cover essential living costs, have health issues that may shorten your lifespan, or would lose means-tested benefits by deferring.
How to defer
Do not claim your state pension when invited at state pension age. Your pension automatically increases each week you defer, up to the point you claim.
To claim later, contact the Pension Service. You can defer even if you have already started receiving payments in some circumstances — seek guidance from Pension Wise or the Pension Service.
Common questions
Can I defer if I am still working?
Yes. Many people defer while continuing to work, then claim a higher pension when they retire fully.
Does deferral affect my spouse's pension?
Deferral increases your own pension. It does not directly affect a spouse's independent state pension entitlement.
Is the lump sum option worth it?
The lump sum with 2% above base rate is attractive if you need a one-off amount. For long-term income, the higher weekly payment usually provides more over a lifetime.