UK adults: 6.9 million have not checked State Pension forecasts

Research commissioned by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) reveals that approximately 6.9 million adults in the United Kingdom have never checked their State Pension forecast. This represents roughly one in eight UK adults who may be approaching retirement without knowing their projected entitlements.

The study, which surveyed 5,206 people, identified that individuals aged 45 to 54 are the most likely to have neglected this check, despite being in a critical window for retirement planning. Common reasons for not checking include the perception that retirement is too distant, concerns regarding lost pension pots from previous employment, and worries that career breaks might impact entitlements.

Checking the forecast is significant as it allows individuals to identify gaps in their National Insurance records. Addressing these gaps early can provide opportunities to increase future pension amounts. The official service provides estimates of entitlement and State Pension age, based largely on an individual's National Insurance history.