From April 2026 the State Pension age in the UK will start to increase from 66 to 67. This change will happen gradually and will finish by 2028. It will affect people born between 6 March 1961 and 5 April 1977 who will now need to wait until they turn 67 to claim their State Pension. This is a significant change because millions of people who had planned to retire at 66 will now need to work or rely on other income for an extra year.
UK Pension Age Set to Rise: Why the Government Is Making This Change
The UK Government established this increase through the Pensions Act 2014. The reason for the rise is straightforward: people are living longer and the pension system needs to stay sustainable for future generations. By raising the age the government wants to ensure that people spend a reasonable portion of their adult life working and in retirement. Another increase is already planned. According to the Pensions Act 2007 the State Pension age will rise again from 67 to 68 between 2044 and 2046. However there are continuing discussions about whether this timeline should be moved forward.
How Will the New Pension Age Impact Your Retirement Plans?
If you planned to retire at 66, this change means you will need to adjust your financial plans. The State Pension is the main source of retirement income for many people, so waiting an extra year will make a difference. You may be able to access private and workplace pensions earlier but the official State Pension will only begin at 67 for those affected. The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed that everyone impacted will receive a letter well before their pension age changes. This will give you time to prepare. However, experts suggest reviewing your retirement plans now rather than waiting. This way the increase will not come as a surprise later.
Find Out Your Updated State Pension Age in Seconds
If you are unsure about when you will qualify, you can use the official State Pension age checker on GOV.UK. This simple online service shows you the exact date when you will reach State Pension age. It also tells you when you qualify for Pension Credit and when you can get free bus travel which is still available at 60 in Scotland. Knowing your State Pension age is an important step in planning for retirement. It gives you clarity & allows you to make better financial decisions about savings and pensions.
Smart Ways to Boost Your UK State Pension Before You Retire
Many people are now choosing to top up their pensions to make up for the later start date. HM Revenue and Customs recently confirmed that more than 10000 payments worth £12.5 million have already been made by people using the new online service to increase their State Pension. Your final pension amount depends on your National Insurance record. If you have gaps in your contributions you may receive less. The option to make voluntary contributions gives people the chance to maximise what they will get once they reach retirement age.
What to Expect Next: Future Increases in State Pension Age
The increase to age 67 is confirmed and will begin in 2026. However the government is already examining whether additional increases should occur earlier than planned. A new Pension Commission will release its report in 2027 to assess factors like savings rates and life expectancy. Dr Suzy Morrissey has been appointed to offer guidance while the Government Actuary’s Department will evaluate what portion of adult life should be dedicated to retirement. Any further changes to the schedule would require Parliamentary approval. The main point is that the State Pension age will reach 67 by 2028 and people born between 1961 and 1977 should begin preparing for this change now.
