Can someone explain how the state pension works, please?

[CalmingMiranda]

I feel really uneducated about this.
What are the 2 types of state pension?
I have worked, paying Class 1 contributions for many years, but contracted out in the early 90s, I think. I also have a private pension and pay in £250 a month, since the early 90s.
Will I get both state pensions, or has the one based on contributions gone into my private pension?
When can I get my pension? (Born 1957)
Thank you!

I think you'll get both, but it depends on your qualifying years. The easiest way round this is to get the full details and ask for a personalised pension forecast:

www.gov.uk/state-pension-statement

the rules are changing in 2016 and you'll need to get another forecast after that, but this will give you a rough idea.

there's also a pension age calculator. I assumed you were female and put in a birth date of 1 April 1957, which gives you a pension start date of 1 April 2023.

Thank you!

There was talk of how we should all now contract out again....but I'm not sure why.