Your BR19 State Pension Forecast — explained

The BR19 is the UK State Pension forecast HMRC issues when you ask. It tells you what you could get when you reach State Pension age — and whether your National Insurance record has gaps that could cost you money.

Full UK State Pension 2026/27: £230.25 per week (£11,973 per year). You need 35 qualifying years for the full amount.

What is on a BR19 forecast

Estimated State Pension based on your record so far — what you would get if you stopped contributing today.
Estimated State Pension if you keep contributing — projected to your State Pension age.
Number of qualifying years to date — out of the 35 needed for the full new State Pension.
Years where contributions were "not full" — gaps you may be able to fill via voluntary Class 3 NI contributions.
Your State Pension age — based on your date of birth.

Voluntary NI top-up — should you?

Each missing qualifying year usually costs around £907.40 to top up at Class 3 voluntary rates. One extra qualifying year adds roughly £329 per year to your State Pension. So you "break even" in under three years of retirement, then it is pure return.

The catch: the current extension to fill gaps back to 2006 ends 5 April 2027 — after that you can only fill the previous 6 tax years.

Get your forecast

• Online (fastest): gov.uk/check-state-pension
• By phone: Future Pension Centre on 0800 731 0175.
• By post: request the BR19 form. Allow 4–6 weeks.

FAQs

Are years where I claimed Child Benefit "qualifying"?

Yes — claiming Child Benefit for a child under 12 gives you NI credits automatically.

Should I pay Class 2 or Class 3?

Class 2 (self-employed) is much cheaper — around £180 per year. Class 3 voluntary is around £907.40. Always check before paying.

Is your current payslip correct?

Your NI contributions today affect your State Pension tomorrow.

Check my payslip →

Disclaimer: Figures use UK 2026/27 State Pension rates. Always verify on gov.uk before paying.