The State Pension age is set to rise from 66 to 67 starting in April 2026, with the complete transition expected to be finished for everyone in the UK by 2028. Here’s what you need to knowFiona Callingham Lifestyle writer, Linda Howard Money and Consumer Writer and Rachel Stretton
15:31, 03 Feb 2026
The state pension age is set to rise – here’s everything you need to know
A major change to pensions is set to come into force this year. The State Pension age is due to begin increasing from 66 to 67 this April, with the full transition expected to be completed for everyone across the UK by 2028.
This planned change to the official retirement age has been enshrined in law since 2014, with a subsequent rise from 67 to 68 scheduled for implementation between 2044 and 2046.
According to the Daily Record, the Pensions Act 2014 brought forward the State Pension age increase from 66 to 67 by eight years. The UK Government also changed how the State Pension age rise is applied, meaning that instead of reaching State Pension age on a particular date, individuals born between March 6, 1961 and April 5, 1977 will become eligible to claim the State Pension when they reach 67.
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It’s crucial to be aware of these upcoming changes now, particularly if you’ve formulated a retirement plan. Everyone impacted by alterations to their State Pension age will receive correspondence from the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) with adequate advance notice.
Under the Pensions Act 2007, the State Pension age for both men and women will rise from 67 to 68 between 2044 and 2046, reports Chronicle Live.
The Pensions Act 2014 mandates a regular review of the State Pension age, occurring at least every five years. The review operates on the principle that people should be able to spend a certain proportion of their adult life receiving a State Pension.
The UK Government has recently unveiled a new Pension Commission tasked with investigating ways to enhance pension savings, with results expected to be released in 2027. Key areas of focus will encompass auto-enrolment contribution rates, increasing savings among groups such as the self-employed, and a reassessment of the State Pension age.
Dr Suzy Morrissey will deliver findings on aspects the UK Government should take into account regarding the State Pension age, while the Government Actuary’s Department will compile a report examining the proportion of adult life spent in retirement.
The evaluation of the State Pension age will consider life expectancy among various other factors pertinent to setting the State Pension age.
Upon conclusion of the review, the UK Government may opt to introduce changes to the State Pension age. However, any suggestions would necessitate parliamentary approval before becoming legislation.
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.
Individuals of all ages can utilise the online tool on GOV.UK to verify their State Pension age, which can be a crucial component of retirement planning.
You can employ the State Pension age tool to check. Check your State Pension age online here.
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