Those born after 1977 are being warned of a major Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) change in the qualifying criteria for claiming their first payment. The State Pension age is due to rise in the UK to age 67 from 2026, with the change being phased in over a period of two years.

But the Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed that a further age increase is planned that will affect anyone born after 1977. The State Pension age will rise once again between 2044 and 2046 to age 68, meaning younger generations face an even longer wait until they reach retirement age and can start claiming their pension. This means women and men born after 1977 may be compelled to wait extended periods for their DWP payments, according to concerns raised.

Speaking out on the matter, Fidelity, an investment company, said: “The government has legislated for an increase from 66 to 67 in 2026-28 and to 68 in 2044-46. However, the timing of the rise to 68 will be examined by the independent review.

“These reviews are held each Parliament and come back with recommendations which the Government accepts, rejects, or comments on.”

The 2017 review proposed a rise to 68 in 2037-39, considerably more rapidly than the existing 2044-46 timeline. This would impact those born between 6 April 1970 and 5 April 1978. The 2022 review advocated for a rise to 68 in 2041-43, representing a more measured acceleration following stagnating life expectancy growth. It also suggested a potential rise to 69 in 2046-48.

As such, people with birthdays that fall between April 6, 1977, and April 5, 1978, will have to wait until they turn 68 and a specified number of months before they can claim their State Pension.

Anyone born on April 6, 1978, onwards will be eligible to get their State Pension from their 68th birthday. The timetable for the age change, as set out by the DWP, is as follows:

The timetable for the age change, as set out by the DWP, is as follows:

• Born between April 6, 1977 – May 5, 1977 – Reach State Pension age on May 6, 2044
• Born between May 6, 1977 – June 5, 1977 – Reach State Pension age on July 6, 2044
• Born between June 6,1977 – July 5, 1977 – Reach State Pension age on September 6, 2044
• Born between July 6, 1977 – August 5, 1977 – Reach State Pension age on November 6, 2044
• Born between August 6, 1977 – September 5, 1977 – Reach State Pension age on January 6, 2045
• Born between September 6, 1977 – October 5, 1977 – Reach State Pension age on March 6, 2045
• Born between October 6, 1977 – November 5, 1977 – Reach State Pension age on May 6, 2045
• Born between November 6, 1977 – December 5, 1977 – Reach State Pension age on July 6, 2045
• Born between December 6, 1977 – January 5, 1978 – Reach State Pension age on September 6, 2045
• Born between January 6, 1978 – February 5, 1978 – Reach State Pension age on November 6, 2045
• Born between February 6, 1978 – March 5, 1978 – Reach State Pension age on January 6, 2046
• Born between March 6, 1978 – April 5, 1978 – Reach State Pension age on March 6, 2046
• Born April 6, 1978 onwards – Reach State Pension age on 68th birthday