Goodbye to Retiring at 67? What the New State Pension Age Review Could Mean

The UK government has launched a statutory review of the State Pension age (SPA), sparking speculation that retirement, as many know it, could move later than 67. But what is fact — and what remains uncertain — is critical for anyone planning their future.

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What Is Fixed in Law Today?

The State Pension age is currently 66 for both men and women.
By law, SPA will increase to 67 between 2026 and 2028.
After that, the timetable legislates a rise to 68 between 2044 and 2046.

What does the 2025 Review Covers?

In July 2025, the government launched the third periodic review of SPA. Its purpose is to assess whether the current timetable remains appropriate given changes in life expectancy, health, labor markets, and fiscal constraints.
The review relies on reports from the Government Actuary’s Department and an independent panel.
Any changes recommended by the review must still go through parliamentary process to become law.

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What Could Change — But Isn’t Certain?

Some observers expect the review to consider proposals such as:

Bringing forward the rise to 68 earlier than 2044–46.
Introducing more flexible or dynamic SPA adjustments tied to life expectancy trends.
Offering exemptions or transitional protections for manual workers or those in physically demanding jobs.

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However, no such changes are guaranteed and none have been confirmed.

Impact for Workers & Future Retirees

Those currently aged in their 40s or early 50s are most exposed to any upward shift in SPA.
A delayed SPA could reduce the number of years a pension is received, unless compensated by higher contribution periods.
Manual or lower-income workers may find working longer more challenging.
Accurate retirement planning must now consider multiple scenarios: the existing timetable and possible upward shifts.

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What You Should Do?

Check your current SPA using the GOV.UK calculator.
Verify your National Insurance contributions to ensure full entitlement.
Maintain or increase savings in private or workplace pensions.
Keep an eye on future reports, especially from the review, and when any draft legislation is published.
Consult a retirement adviser, especially if you are within 15 years of your SPA.

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