State pensions themselves will not be paid out automatically, even where a person reaches their state pension age.

They’ll need to be claimed and this can be done online, over the phone or through the post.

Claimants should receive an invitation letter from the Government within two months of reaching state pension age but even if this is not received, people can apply for their state pension within four months of reaching retirement age.

A state pension can be claimed even where a person keeps working.