New research from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) reveals that almost 7 million adults in the UK could be without key information for retirement planning. The study, conducted between 27 February and 12 March 2026, found that one in eight adults (12.5%) have never checked their State Pension forecast.
The research highlighted that 45 to 54-year-olds are more prone to not having checked their State Pension than any other age group, despite this period being crucial for retirement planning. Common reasons cited for delaying checks include feeling retirement is too far away (26%), concerns about losing track of multiple pension pots (24%), and worries about career breaks affecting entitlement (20%).
HMRC is encouraging individuals to use its free app during Pension Awareness Week, running from 15 to 18 September 2026, to check their State Pension forecast. The app also allows users to identify and address potential gaps in their National Insurance record by topping up contributions if eligible.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, stated that checking a forecast takes only a few minutes and can significantly impact future preparedness. The Tax Confident website also offers guidance on tax matters related to retirement, including how State Pension is taxed and managing savings.