The contributory benefit is paid to pensioners who have provided decades of National Insurance payments to the government throughout their working lives. Pensioners are provided with a sum of money each week, which helps with the cost of living after finishing work. The sum of money is made available for pensioners who have contributed years of National Insurance payments throughout their working lives.

On April 6, the start of the 2020/21 tax year, the State Pension figure rose by 3.9 percent in line with average earnings across the UK.

The State Pension age was traditionally set at 65, however there are some additional changes alongside the tax year that those set to reach pension age should look out for. 

The age at which a person becomes eligible to claim State Pension is set to change, meaning the benefit could be further off for some Britons.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed the eligibility age will now move to 66, with an eventual rise to 68.

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And the government’s website also includes a State Pension calculator which can help Britons determine when they will receive the State Pension, and how much they could be entitled to. 

By entering date of birth and gender, the tool states when a person becomes eligible for the sum.

The State Pension can also be increased through a series of individual decisions.

A retired person can choose to delay a claim on their pension to increase the total sum, or speak to a financial adviser to provide ways to gain more money.

Additional support is also provided to those who are disabled or who need assistance with utility bills and rent.

Pensioners may also qualify for additional DWP benefits depending on their financial situation, which can be checked through the government’s website.