Nearly seven million adults in the UK remain unaware of their State Pension status, according to warnings from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Ahead of Pension Awareness Week, running from 15 to 18 September 2026, HMRC is encouraging people, particularly those aged 45 to 54, to use its mobile app to check their State Pension forecasts and consider topping up National Insurance contributions if eligible.
Research reveals that individuals aged 45 to 54 are the least likely to have ever reviewed their State Pension, despite this being a crucial period for retirement planning. Approximately one in eight adults across the UK have never checked their State Pension forecast, which amounts to about 6.9 million people based on the total adult population.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, emphasised the importance of reviewing pension forecasts: “It is never too early or too late to check your State Pension forecast. Doing so via the HMRC app takes only a few minutes but can significantly enhance your preparedness for the future. Whether retirement is decades away or just around the corner, I encourage everyone to check their forecast and explore options to increase their entitlement.”
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The findings stem from an HMRC survey conducted between 27 February and 12 March 2026, which assessed the digital habits and pension perceptions of 5,206 consumers. During Pension Awareness Week, individuals are urged to take straightforward steps to better understand and improve their retirement finances.
The HMRC app provides users with the ability to view their State Pension forecast, identify any gaps in their National Insurance record, and, where eligible, make top-up contributions. Additionally, users can access information such as their tax code, Pay As You Earn (PAYE) details, employment history, and Self Assessment record, enabling a comprehensive overview of their financial position ahead of retirement.