State pension payments are considered vital for millions of people, but these are not always guaranteed. One expert has urged Britons to think carefully when it comes to the sum issued by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Jenny Holt, Managing Director for Customer Savings and Investments at Standard Life, explained Britons should take care when it comes to the state pension.

She said: “A common mistake is to assume that the state pension will meet your retirement needs.

“However, it’s important to know that the state pension won’t be available until your late 60s, and may not meet all of your outgoings.”

As Ms Holt highlights, the state pension age is currently 66, meaning Britons are waiting longer than ever before to access the sum.

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For others, retirement plans are far more ambitious and may require more funds.

Some £34,000 a year is needed for what is described as a “comfortable” retirement.

This comprises semi-regular foreign holidays, some luxuries, and more financial freedom. 

To understand more about the state pension, Britons are encouraged to obtain a state pension forecast.

Individuals can apply online, as this is the “quickest way” to get the forecast.

Alternatively, people can fill in the BR19 application form and send it by post, or call the Future Pension Centre who will post out the forecast.