The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has officially announced that the UK State Pension age will gradually rise from 66 to 67, starting in April 2026 and completing by March 2028. This two-year transition, affecting people born after April 6, 1960, marks another major milestone in pension reform. The change, first outlined in the Pensions Act 2014, reflects the UK’s rising life expectancy and aims to keep the system financially sustainable amid demographic shifts.
Introduction to the New Pension Age Framework
The current State Pension age is 66 for both men and women, a benchmark reached after phased increases between 2018 and 2020. Under the new rules, eligibility will now depend on your date of birth, meaning some people will have to wait up to 11 months longer before receiving their first payment.
Quick Overview: Pension Age Transition (2026–2028)
| Born Between | New State Pension Age | Effective Period |
|---|---|---|
| 6 Apr 1960 – 5 May 1960 | 66 years + 1 month | April 2026 |
| 6 May 1960 – 5 Jun 1960 | 66 years + 2 months | June 2026 |
| 6 Jun 1960 – 5 Jul 1960 | 66 years + 3 months | August 2026 |
| 6 Jul 1960 – 5 Aug 1960 | 66 years + 4 months | October 2026 |
| 6 Aug 1960 – 5 Sep 1960 | 66 years + 5 months | December 2026 |
| 6 Sep 1960 – 5 Oct 1960 | 66 years + 6 months | February 2027 |
| 6 Oct 1960 – 5 Nov 1960 | 66 years + 7 months | April 2027 |
| 6 Nov 1960 – 5 Dec 1960 | 66 years + 8 months | June 2027 |
| 6 Dec 1960 – 5 Jan 1961 | 66 years + 9 months | August 2027 |
| 6 Jan 1961 – 5 Feb 1961 | 66 years + 10 months | October 2027 |
| 6 Feb 1961 – 5 Mar 1961 | 66 years + 11 months | January 2028 |
| 6 Mar 1961 – 5 Apr 1977 | 67 years | From April 2028 |
Key Features of the Pension Age Increase
- Phased implementation — avoids a sudden change for those nearing retirement.
- Applies equally to men and women.
- Automatic adjustment — no need to reapply for your pension.
- Future-proofing — further reviews planned every five years to assess demographic and fiscal conditions.
The next scheduled rise (from 67 to 68) is currently expected between 2044 and 2046, though it may be accelerated depending on updated life expectancy data.
Eligibility Rules: Who Will Be Affected?
Those born after April 6, 1960, will see their pension age rise gradually from 66 to 67.
If you were born:
- Before April 6, 1960 — you can still claim at 66.
- Between April 1960 and March 1961 — your pension age will increase month-by-month.
- Between March 1961 and April 1977 — your State Pension age will be 67.
This affects approximately 6 million UK citizens approaching retirement over the next decade.
Why the Pension Age Is Increasing?
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), UK life expectancy has risen to 80.7 years — nearly a decade longer than when the State Pension system was established.
Sarah McKenzie, Senior Policy Analyst at the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), explained:
“The pension age increase reflects the need to adapt to longer lifespans. People are drawing benefits for nearly 20 years on average — that’s financially unsustainable without reform.”
Meanwhile, DWP spokesperson David Thomlinson added:
“This adjustment ensures fairness across generations and maintains a balance between supporting today’s retirees and protecting future taxpayers.”
Comparison Table: Previous vs New Pension Ages
| Policy Period | Previous Pension Age | New Pension Age | Affected Birth Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018–2020 | 65 → 66 | 66 | Born before April 1960 |
| 2026–2028 | 66 → 67 | 67 | Born after April 1960 |
| 2044–2046 (proposed) | 67 → 68 | 68 | Born after April 1977 |
Benefits and Challenges of the Change
Benefits:
- Keeps pension funding sustainable long-term.
- Reflects improvements in health and life expectancy.
- Encourages later-life work participation and savings growth.
Challenges:
- Manual labourers and those with health issues may struggle to work longer.
- Lower-income workers face limited private pension options.
- Regional health disparities could widen inequality.
Caroline Abrahams, Director of Age UK, voiced concern:
“Not everyone enjoys the same health in their 60s. A flexible pension framework, allowing early access with adjusted payments, would better reflect real-life circumstances.”
What Future Retirees Should Do Now?
- Check your State Pension forecast via GOV.UK to confirm your retirement date.
- Top up National Insurance contributions if you have gaps — this can increase your pension.
- Consider private pensions or ISAs to supplement income.
- Seek professional advice for retirement planning, especially if self-employed.
Becky O’Connor, Head of Pensions at PensionBee, advises:
“With the pension age moving upward, the key is to build flexibility. Those in their 40s and 50s should aim to diversify their retirement income.”
Future Outlook: The Path to Age 68
While the next official rise is scheduled for 2044–2046, government reviews could bring that forward to 2037–2039 depending on economic and health data.
The DWP’s 2023 review hinted at an accelerated timetable, though no final decision has been made. Experts expect further debate before 2026, especially regarding regional inequalities and occupational differences in life expectancy.
Why It Matters?
The gradual rise from 66 to 67 isn’t just about delaying retirement — it’s about redefining what retirement looks like in the UK.
For younger generations, it means more time to save and invest, but also longer working lives. For policymakers, it’s a crucial balancing act between fiscal responsibility and social fairness.
FAQs
When does the new State Pension age change start?
The increase begins in April 2026 and completes by March 2028.
Who will be affected first?
Those born between April 6, 1960, and March 5, 1961, will see phased delays of one to eleven months.
How much is the current State Pension?
As of 2025, the full new State Pension is approximately £221.20 per week, depending on National Insurance history.
Will the pension age rise again after 2028?
Yes, the next planned increase to 68 is set for 2044–2046, though this could be brought forward.
Can I retire before reaching my State Pension age?
Yes, but only with private or workplace pension savings — the State Pension cannot be claimed early.
Will these rules apply across the UK?
Yes. The change applies uniformly to England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.