Answers · UK 2025/26
Will the UK State Pension be enough to live on?
No, for most households. The full new UK State Pension for 2025/26 is £230.25/week (£11,973/year) — below the £14,400 "minimum retirement living standard" calculated by Pensions UK / Loughborough University. A private pension is typically essential.
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UK State Pension vs retirement needs 2025/26. Full new State Pension: £230.25/week = £11,973/year (35 qualifying NI years). Loughborough Retirement Living Standards (2025): Minimum £14,400 single, £22,400 couple. Moderate £31,300 single, £43,100 couple. Comfortable £43,100 single, £59,000 couple. Gap analysis: State Pension alone falls £2,400 short of Minimum single, £14,500 short of Moderate. Closing the gap: saving 12-15% of gross income from age 25 typically funds a Moderate retirement. From age 35: 18-22%. Auto-enrolment minimum 8% is generally insufficient. Other resources: ISA pot, equity release, downsizing, part-time work in retirement.
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This answer is informational only and does not constitute financial, tax or legal advice. Figures are for the 2025/26 UK tax year. See our methodology and sources.