What is best for me?
Your first decision is whether to claim State Pension as soon as you reach State Pension age or whether to put off claiming it. If you decide to put it off, you will need to consider which option suits you best. You will not need to tell us your choice until you finally claim your State Pension.
If you do put off claiming your State Pension, extra State Pension will give you a higher weekly pension for life from when you claim. Alternatively the lump sum is a one-off payment and you will get your normal State Pension once you claim it.
The choice is yours and will depend on your circumstances and wishes.
The information on this website is only intended to provide a summary of the State Pension Deferral scheme. Putting off State Pension may not be right for everyone, so it is important to find out more before you decide.
To help, we have produced a detailed guide about putting off claiming your State Pension.
Read or print our guide; Your guide to State Pension Deferral
You can also obtain this guide by calling 0845 731 32 33 and quoting SPD1. (If you have speech or hearing difficulties you can order this guide using a textphone on 0845 604 0210 and quoting SPD1).
It is also a good idea to discuss it with your friends and family, with an independent financial adviser or with organisations which provide advice about pension options. (If you are thinking about getting independent financial advice, you may have to pay for it).