My uncle Dave is a classic example. He’s 68, gets his state pension every Friday, and works three mornings a week as a teaching assistant for little kids. He says it keeps him young—and his wallet plump enough to treat his grandkids to ice cream. “I earn my state pension,” he jokes, “by making sure five-year-olds don’t eat glue.” His secret? He never stopped contributing to a workplace pension on top, which gives him extra tax relief. So, if your employer offers a pension scheme, even part-time, take it. It’s like planting a money tree in your back garden.
Apply online to Get your State Pension | Department for Work and
Or take Sarah, a retired nurse who turned her passion for baking into a small online business. She’s 64, not quite at state pension age, but she still works—and knows that once she hits 66 in two years, every scone she sells adds to her income without touching her government pension. “It’s freedom,” she says, “to choose when I work, not have to.” Her advice? Start planning early, even if you’re still in your fifties. Check your state pension forecast online—it’s free and takes ten minutes. Trust me, it’s more satisfying than scrolling through cat videos (almost).
What you really need to remember
Here’s the nugget: you can absolutely work and claim your state pension at the same time, once you’ve reached the official age. It’s not a perk for the lucky few; it’s a democratic right for everyone. The government wants you to stay active, and your pension is designed to support you, not punish you for earning. So, if you’re thinking of a part-time nanny gig, a weekend car-boot stall, or even just a few hours in a charity shop—go for it.
And if you’re worried about paperwork, don’t be. You don’t need to tell the pension service you’re working—they don’t care! Your tax return will sort out any HMRC bits, but that’s a once-a-year chore. The bottom line? Your state pension is your bedrock; your job is your bonus. Treat yourself to that holiday, or that new garden shed. You’ve earned it—twice over. So, go on, grab that toast, and make a plan. Your future self is already smiling.
