First, check your State Pension age and National Insurance record on GOV.UK to see whether you may qualify and how much you could receive. You generally need at least 10 qualifying years for any new State Pension, while the full amount usually requires 35 years, although your personal record may produce a different forecast. Claim online, by phone or by post when you receive an invitation, normally around four months before reaching State Pension age; it is not paid automatically. Check whether missing years can be covered by credits or voluntary contributions before paying, as this depends on your circumstances.