Older Arrivals and Pension Credit
Older newcomers may miss support because they only look at the State Pension.
Last updated: 10.05.2026
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1. Check your State Pension forecast
It is helpful to know how much State Pension you may get when you are older. A forecast can show if you have enough years or if there are gaps.
What to do: Go to the GOV.UK State Pension forecast service and sign in with your online account. Read the forecast to see how many qualifying years you have and what your pension could be in the future.
What do you need: You need your online GOV.UK sign in and your National Insurance number.
Outcomes: You will have a simple picture of your current State Pension position and can see if you may want to add more qualifying years.
Lifehack: Check the forecast again after big life changes, like moving country or changing work pattern, so you always know your latest position.
2. Check if Pension Credit may top up your income
3. Use a benefits calculator before you claim
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