The State Pension age is rising from 66 to 67 starting April 2025, affecting people born between March 1961 and April 1977, with the change completing by 2028
Linda Howard Money and Consumer Writer
12:04, 20 Nov 2025
The State Pension age is due to rise from 66 to 67 next year(Image: Roger Spooner via Getty Images)
The State Pension age is due to rise from 66 to 67 next year, with the rise expected to be fully implemented for all men and women across the UK by 2028. This planned adjustment to the official retirement age has been legislated since 2014, with an additional increase from 67 to 68 scheduled to take place between 2044 and 2046.
The Pensions Act 2014 expedited the increase in the State Pension age from 66 to 67 by eight years. The UK Government also altered the phasing of the State Pension age increase, meaning that instead of reaching State Pension age on a specific date, individuals born between 6 March 1961 and 5 April 1977 will be eligible to claim the State Pension once they turn 67.
It’s crucial to be cognisant of these impending changes now, particularly if you have a retirement plan already established. All those affected by alterations to their State Pension age will receive a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) well in advance.
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Under the provisions of 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 mandates a regular review of the State Pension age, at least once every five years. These reviews will be predicated on the notion that individuals should be able to spend a certain proportion of their adult life receiving a State Pension, reports the Daily Record.
The UK Government has recently unveiled a new Pension Commission tasked with exploring ways to enhance pension savings, with its findings set to be published in 2027. The commission will consider various aspects including auto-enrolment saving rates, encouraging savings among groups such as the self-employed, and a review of the State Pension age.
Dr Suzy Morrissey will provide insights on factors that the UK Government should take into account regarding the State Pension age, while the Government Actuary’s Department will compile a report on the proportion of adult life spent in retirement.
The review of the State Pension age will factor in life expectancy along with other relevant considerations for setting the State Pension age.
Following the review’s findings, the UK Government may opt to implement changes to the State Pension age. However, any proposed changes would need to pass through Parliament before becoming law.
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 available on GOV.UK allows individuals of all ages to check their State Pension age, an essential step in planning for retirement.
You can utilise the State Pension age tool to verify:
When you will reach State Pension ageYour Pension Credit qualifying ageWhen you will be eligible for free bus travel – this is at age 60 in Scotland