The State Pension age in the UK is set to rise from 66 to 67 starting this year affecting millions of people approaching retirement.
While this change may feel sudden to some, it has actually been in motion for over a decade and it’s only part of a longer-term plan that could see the retirement age rise even further in the future.
When is the State Pension age changing?
The increase from 66 to 67 will be phased in between 2026 and 2028. Rather than a single cut-off date, the change will gradually affect people based on their date of birth.
For example:
- Anyone born on April 6, 1960 will reach State Pension age of 66 on May 6, 2026.
- Anyone born on March 5, 1961 will reach State Pension age of 67 on February 5, 2028.
If your birthday falls between these dates, your State Pension age will increase incrementally, meaning you may need to wait a little longer than expected before claiming your pension.
Who is affected by these changes to the State Pension?
This change applies to both men and women across the UK born between April 6, 1960 and March 5, 1961. In practical terms, this group will see their retirement age gradually shift upwards, depending on exactly when they were born.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is expected to notify those affected well in advance, so there should be time to plan accordingly.
Why is the Pension Age increasing?
The government reviews the State Pension age regularly to keep the system sustainable. As life expectancy has increased over the years, people are spending longer in retirement, which puts additional pressure on public finances.
The aim is to balance how long people contribute during their working lives with how long they receive the State Pension. In simple terms: as people live longer, the pension age rises to keep the system affordable.
Looking ahead, a further increase to 68 is already scheduled between 2044 and 2046, although this timeline could change depending on future reviews.
How to check what you’ll get
If you’re unsure when you’ll qualify or how much you’ll receive, you can use the government’s online State Pension tool to check your personal forecast.
To receive any State Pension, you’ll need at least 10 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions. To get the full amount, you’ll need 35 years.
If you have gaps in your record, it may be possible to top them up with voluntary contributions but it’s worth checking if this is necessary before paying extra.
