Pensions & retirement
How to change the address for my pension?
4 mins read
by
Regulated Advice Team
Last updated 30 October, 2025

In this article
One common query among pensioners in the UK is “How to change the address for my pension?”
In this guide, we will talk about how you can change your address for your pension.
There are a few procedures that you must follow before you can change your address.
Typically, the process will depend on the type of pension you have. However, the most common case is changing your address for your state pension.
Summary
- It takes up to 6 weeks if you notify them over the phone or through the mail
- If you update your address using the HRMC website's user portal it will take effect instantly
How do I notify the provider of change of address?
If you want to move home then be aware that your state pension is very crucial in matters like these. As you would need to immediately inform HMRC if you change your address.
While you are receiving your state pension it is most essential that you inform HMRC if you change your address.
Additionally, if you want to keep receiving the pension payments without any trouble then should think about updating your address as soon as possible.
Similarly, when you update your address it means that you will also update your post address. This is also very important when you receive any legal document or notifications meant for you.
To change your state pension address there are a few things to get you started. Firstly, you should inform the HMRC, as they administer the state pensions in the UK.
You can contact them to let them know of your new address, which is an easy process.
Secondly, if you would like to change your address online then you can head over to the HMRC website.
Afterwards, you would have to create an account if did not have one already. If you did then simply log in using your user ID and password to access your official portal.
Thus, whichever process you decide to take will determine how long it takes to update your address.
It takes up to 6 weeks if you notify them over the phone or through the mail. As there are a few added validations and processes to go around. But, if you update your address using the HMRC website's user portal it will take effect instantly.
How to change address for my pension online?
If you want to use HRMC's services online, you need to register in the Government Gateway. Previously, if you did not register, you needed to sign up to set up a Gateway account.
You will receive a unique Gateway ID, which is provided with the account that helps you access the online services.
Related article
Learn more: How to sort out gaps in your state pension contributions
How to create a new Gateway account?
You will need to follow these steps to create a new Government Gateway account.
- Enter the GOV.uk, and look below for > HMRC account: sign in or set up.
- Then go to > Create sign-in details.
- Account needs to affiliate with you, so > Enter your email address.
- Verify the email address. You will also need to > Enter the authorisation code.
- After that, you must> Enter your first and last names.
- For security purposes, you need to > Set up a password.
- Also, for future reference, you can > Create a recovery password.
After the account is set up, you will have a 12-digit Government Gateway ID to access online services.
What happens to my pension if I relocate abroad?
Usually, the government pays your state pension into a personal UK bank account.
However, if you relocate outside of the UK, the process will be slightly different.
You will have to inform the International Pension Centre (IPS), who will assist you in receiving payments while abroad.
How do I change my address for my pension credit benefits?
If you get pension credit regularly, the payments will stop if you move abroad permanently. However, pension credit payments will be valid for up to 26 weeks if you move abroad for medical reasons.
However, do not worry, as the credits can still be claimable when you return to the UK again.
You can visit the official UK website on the pension credit page for more information.
If you are unsure about these issues, it might be better to consult a pension advisor to avoid future surprises.
For more viable options, consider talking to a regulated pension advisor. Moreover, you can search for a financial advisor here.
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Regulated Advice Team
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Regulated Advice connects UK consumers with FCA regulated financial advisors, cutting through jargon to make professional financial guidance accessible. Our team combines hands on experience in financial services appointment setting to provide clear, honest information and access to regulated advice. We work only with regulated, qualified advisors, so every appointment we book is matched to a regulated financial advisor suited to your needs.
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