Additional State Pension
As its name suggests, additional State Pension (also called the State Second Pension and formerly the State Earnings Related Pension Scheme (SERPS)) is paid in addition to the basic State Pension. Until April 2002, it was usually known as SERPS and depended solely on the National Insurance contributions you paid as an employee.
From April 2002, the State Second Pension reformed SERPS to provide a better additional State Pension for low and moderate earners, and extended access to include certain carers and long-term disabled people. You may get an additional State Pension even if you do not get any basic State Pension.
Any SERPS entitlement that has already been built up will be protected, both for those who have already retired, and for those who have not yet reached State Pension age. Find out more about inheriting SERPS on this website.
How do I know if I have an additional State Pension?
You can get a State Pension forecast, which will tell you how much basic State Pension you can expect to receive and whether or not you have any additional State Pension
Get a State Pension forecast online
See if you can get an online State Pension forecast. This will give you an estimate of how much basic State Pension and additional State Pension you may get when you reach State Pension age.
Get an instant online pension forecast 
Get the most out of later life
The Directgov website's Over 50s section points you in the right direction for help and advice available through Government and voluntary organisations.
It provides information and contact details for community and voluntary organisations, training opportunities and health and fitness advice.
More about State Pensions
You can read and print, or order a copy of State Pensions - Your guide from our resource centre.