The UK State Pension age will increase in 2026, with the full implementation phased until 2028 for those born between certain years
State Pensioners will see major changes this April (Image: Getty Images)
The State Pension age in the UK is due to gradually increase from 66 to 67 starting this April, with the full rise expected to be in place for all men and women by 2028. This change to the official retirement age has been planned since 2014, with a further increase from 67 to 68 planned for between 2044 and 2046.
The Pensions Act 2014 brought forward the increase in the State Pension age from 66 to 67 by eight years. The UK Government also adjusted the phasing of the State Pension age increase, meaning that instead of reaching State Pension age on a specific date, people born between 6 March 1961 and 5 April 1977 will be eligible to claim the State Pension once they turn 67.
It’s vital to be aware of these upcoming changes, especially if you already have a retirement plan in place. All those affected by changes to their State Pension age will receive a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) well in advance.
According to the Pensions Act 2007, the State Pension age for both men and women will rise from 67 to 68 between 2044 and 2046. The Pensions Act 2014 requires a regular review of the State Pension age at least every five years.
These reviews will be based on the principle that individuals should be able to spend a certain portion of their adult life receiving a State Pension. The Government recently announced plans for a new Pension Commission to investigate ways of boosting pension savings, with its findings anticipated to be published in 2027, reports the Daily Record.
The commission will examine topics such as auto-enrolment saving rates, increasing savings among groups like the self-employed, and a review of the State Pension age. Dr Suzy Morrissey will offer insights on factors the UK Government should consider regarding the State Pension age, while the Government Actuary’s Department will prepare a report on the proportion of adult life spent in retirement.
The review of the State Pension age will take into account life expectancy along with a range of other relevant considerations for setting the State Pension age. Following the review’s report, the UK Government may choose to make changes to the State Pension age.
However, any suggested changes would need to be approved by Parliament before becoming law.
Check your State Pension age online
Your State Pension age is the earliest age at which you can begin receiving your State Pension. It might differ from the age at which you can access a workplace or personal pension.
The online tool at GOV.UK allows people of all ages to check their State Pension age, an essential step in planning for retirement. You can use the State Pension age tool to check:
- When you will reach State Pension age
- Your Pension Credit qualifying age
- When you will be eligible for free bus travel
Check your State Pension age online here.
