Additionally, payslips can be checked to see if a person was contracted out.

If a person was contracted out, their National Insurance contributions line will have the letter D or N next to it.

If they weren’t contracted out, there will be a letter A next to it.

The government detail that if a person has worked in certain sectors, they’re more likely to have contracted out during their working life.

It should be noted that a state pension will not be received automatically even when a person reaches their state pension age.

State pensions will need to be claimed and this can be done up to four months ahead of reaching the appropriate age.

The quickest way to apply is by going online but it can also be done by post or over the phone.

If a person does not need or want their state pension yet, they can choose to defer payments which may end up boosting the amounts down the line.