The State Pension is a regular payment that you receive from the Government once you reach State Pension Age. To be eligible you must have paid, or been credited with, National Insurance Contributions.
As the State Pension is the foundation income in your retirement it is important to keep track of how much State Pension you could get. Knowing early what you’re likely to receive from your State Pension can help you plan the rest of your finances much more effectively.
Thankfully, this can be done quickly online at https://www.gov.uk/check-state-pension
This will also show you how much National Insurance you have paid or been credited with and whether you have any gaps in your record. You may be able to apply for National Insurance Credits or make Voluntary National Insurance Contributions to fill gaps that could prevent you from getting the most new State Pension you can.