Now, if you don’t need the money right away (lucky you), you can choose to defer your state pension. For every nine weeks you delay, your pension goes up by 1%. Wait a whole year, and it’s about a 5.8% boost—like a loyalty reward for being patient. But if you’re still working, you might think, “Hey, I’ll just defer and get more later!”
Just remember: you can change your mind at any time. No pressure, no penalties. You could start claiming today, then stop next month if you fancy—but honestly, why would you? Cash in hand now is still pizza money now.
When can I claim my State Pension? - Nuts About Money®
What If You’re Self-Employed?
Oh, you’re a freelance wizard or a side-hustle ninja? Perfect. Self-employed folks can claim the state pension and work just like everyone else. In fact, you might even enjoy the security of a regular pension payment while you chase that next big project. No boss, no limits—just you, your laptop, and a steady stream of government-backed cash.
One tiny caveat: if you’re self-employed and still under pension age, you still have to pay National Insurance. But once you hit that golden age, you can stop paying Class 2 or Class 4 contributions—and keep working. It’s like getting a “work without the paperwork” upgrade.
