The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed that new changes to the state pension age will take effect starting in 2026. These changes will gradually move the state pension age from 66 to 67, affecting millions of people across the United Kingdom.

Currently, both men and women are able to claim their state pension when they turn 66. However, this will no longer be the case from next year. The new rules will mean that some people will need to wait several months longer, depending on their exact date of birth.

The last increase in the pension age took place between December 2018 and October 2020, when the age rose from 65 to 66. With the upcoming adjustment, the next step in this process will be implemented, spreading the increase to 67 over a two-year period from 2026 to 2028.

Why the Pension Age is Increasing?

The government has explained that the main reason for the increase is that people are living longer, and more years in retirement create financial pressures for the state pension system. By delaying the age at which people can claim, the pension system can remain fair and sustainable for future generations.

The decision also takes into account factors such as life expectancy, the number of people in work, and government spending levels. The changes were brought forward by the Pensions Act 2014, which made adjustments to ensure the pension system remains stable in the long term.

Who Will Be Affected?

The increase will affect people born on or after April 6, 1960. Those born between April 1960 and March 1961 will not see the full increase all at once but instead will experience a phased delay. For this group, the state pension will begin at 66 years plus an additional number of months depending on their date of birth.

For people born after March 5, 1961, the state pension age will be set firmly at 67. Those born after April 5, 1977, were already expected to retire at 67, so their pension age does not change. Future plans also show that the state pension age could rise to 68 between 2044 and 2046, although this may change following government reviews.

Pension Age Transition

The following table shows the phased pension age increase for people born between April 1960 and March 1961.

Date of Birth Range
State Pension Age

Apr 6 – May 5, 1960
66 years + 1 month

May 6 – Jun 5, 1960
66 years + 2 months

Jun 6 – Jul 5, 1960
66 years + 3 months

Jul 6 – Aug 5, 1960
66 years + 4 months

Aug 6 – Sep 5, 1960
66 years + 5 months

Sep 6 – Oct 5, 1960
66 years + 6 months

Oct 6 – Nov 5, 1960
66 years + 7 months

Nov 6 – Dec 5, 1960
66 years + 8 months

Dec 6, 1960 – Jan 5, 1961
66 years + 9 months

Jan 6 – Feb 5, 1961
66 years + 10 months

Feb 6 – Mar 5, 1961
66 years + 11 months

Mar 6, 1961 – Apr 5, 1977
67 years

This schedule means that some individuals will be able to claim their pension at 66 years and just a few months, while others may wait nearly a full extra year.

Past and Future Changes

The pension age has gone through several increases over the years. Originally, women could retire at 60 and men at 65. Between 2010 and 2018, the age was equalised for both genders. By 2020, the age was set at 66 for everyone. Now, from 2026 to 2028, it will rise again to 67.

Looking further ahead, people born after April 5, 1977, will retire at 67, and future plans propose an increase to 68 between 2044 and 2046. The government has confirmed that this timetable may change if further reviews suggest a different approach.

Impact on Workers and Retirement Planning

This increase means that people will need to stay in the workforce longer before they can claim their pension. For some, especially those in physically demanding jobs, this may create challenges. It could also affect personal financial planning, as individuals may need to rely more on workplace pensions, savings, or investments during the waiting period.

Employers are also likely to play a role by supporting older workers, offering flexible working conditions, and providing retraining opportunities. For individuals, this highlights the importance of planning ahead to ensure that income is sufficient until they are able to claim the state pension.

State Pension Changes Over Time

The following table shows how the pension age has developed and how it will continue to change.

Time Period
Pension Age

Before 2010
Women: 60, Men: 65

2010–2018
Gradual equalisation of pension age

2018–2020
Increase to 66

2026–2028
Increase to 67

2044–2046 (planned)
Possible rise to 68

Preparing for the Changes

People approaching retirement should be aware of the exact age when they can claim their state pension and plan accordingly. Checking a pension forecast, reviewing workplace pension schemes, and considering personal savings are all important steps.

Steps Individuals Can Take

Check state pension age and forecast through the official government website.
Review retirement savings and workplace pensions to cover any extra waiting period.
Explore alternative income sources such as part-time work or investments.

These actions can help reduce financial stress and prepare for the gradual transition to a higher pension age.

Broader Implications

The change to the state pension age is not only about financial planning but also about social and health factors. Many people in physically demanding roles may find it difficult to work longer, while others in office-based roles may find it easier. This highlights differences across industries and regions that may influence how the changes are experienced.

The government has promised to review the timetable for the move from 67 to 68 in the future, taking into account new data on life expectancy, regional health differences, and labour market conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Who will see the biggest impact from the changes in 2026?
The biggest impact will be on people born between April 1960 and March 1961, as their pension will be delayed by months depending on their date of birth.

Q2. Will current pensioners be affected by the new rules?
No, the changes will not affect anyone already receiving the state pension. Only those who have not yet reached pension age will be impacted.

Q3. Is the rise to 68 confirmed?
Yes, the rise is included in current plans for 2044 to 2046, but the government has said this could be reviewed and changed.

Q4. Why is the state pension age rising?
The rise is mainly due to longer life expectancy and the need to keep the pension system financially sustainable for future generations.