Is debt advice really free?

Yes, with the charities and services listed above. They are funded so you do not have to pay. If a company asks for an up-front fee for advice, stop and check them against the Financial Conduct Authority's register first.

Will getting debt advice affect my credit score?

Talking to an adviser does not affect your credit file. Some solutions, such as a debt management plan or IVA, can be recorded on it. An adviser will explain the effects before you choose.

Will the adviser judge me?

No. Debt advisers help people from all walks of life, and what you tell them is confidential. Many people get into debt after a job loss, illness, relationship breakdown or a rise in living costs.

Does Sterlingsum give debt advice?

No. Sterlingsum is an information site and is not authorised to give debt advice. We link to organisations that are. We do not receive payment from any of the services listed on this page.

State Pension explained

How much it is, how many years you need and how to check your own forecast.

The short answer

The full new State Pension is £241.30 a week for 2026/27, which is about £12,548 a year. To get the full amount you usually need 35 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions or credits. Most people need at least 10 qualifying years to get any new State Pension.

How qualifying years work

A qualifying year is a tax year in which you paid or were credited with enough National Insurance.
You can build years by working, or by getting credits, for example while claiming certain benefits or receiving Child Benefit for a child under 12.
If you have gaps, you may be able to pay voluntary contributions to fill them. Check first, because it is not always worth it.
If you were contracted out of the State Pension in the past, your starting amount and the years you need can differ.

How to check your own forecast

GOV.UK has a free State Pension forecast tool that shows how much you are on course to get, how many years you have, and when you can claim. It is the most reliable starting point, and it takes a few minutes with a Government Gateway login.

State Pension age

State Pension age is currently 66 and is due to rise to 67 in stages between 2026 and 2028, and later to 68. Use the GOV.UK State Pension age checker to see the exact date for your birth date.

Tax and the State Pension

The State Pension is taxable income. It is paid without tax taken off, so any tax due is collected through your tax code on other income, such as a private pension.
If your State Pension plus other income is under the Personal Allowance, you will not pay tax. See the Personal Allowance explained.
If you have low income, you may also be able to claim Pension Credit.

Ways to boost your retirement income

Fill gaps in your National Insurance record if it is worthwhile.
Pay into a workplace or private pension, see pension tax relief explained and the pension calculator.
Consider whether to defer claiming your State Pension, which can increase the weekly amount you eventually get.

Where to learn more

This guide is for information only and is not tax, benefits or financial advice. Rules and amounts can change, so check the official pages before you rely on them.