Next year, the state pension age will begin to rise from 66 to 67 in a phased manner. According to current plans, the new state pension age of 67 will apply to everyone by 2028.
Those born between 6 April 1960 and 6 March 1961 will be directly affected by this transition. This includes the vast majority of people currently aged between 64 and 65.
Anyone born before 6 April 1960 will have a state pension age of 66, while anyone born after 6 March 1961 will have a state pension age of 67. The exact date of birth will determine when those born in between these dates will receive their state pension.
Under the existing plans, each month after 6 April 1960 that a person is born will add an additional month they must wait for their state pension.
So, those born two months after April in 1960 will have to wait two months after their 66th birthday to receive their state pension.
For instance, a person born on 5 April 1960 will be eligible for their state pension at exactly 66 years old on 5 April 2026. However, a person born on 7 April 1960 will have to wait an additional month after their birthday to get their state pension, meaning they will be 66 years and one month old on 7 May 2026.
When people can retire in 2026, according to their birthday, according to the Independent:
- 5 April 1960 and before – 5 April 2026
- 6 April 1960 – 6 May 2026
- 6 May 1960 – 6 July 2026
- 6 June 1960 – 6 August 2026
- 6 July 1960 – 6 November 2026
- 6 August 1960 – 6 January 2027
- 6 September 1960 – 6 March 2027
- 6 October 1960 – 6 May 2027
- 6 November 1960 – 6 July 2027
- 6 December 1960 – 6 August 2027
- 6 January 1961 – 6 November 2027
- 6 February 1961 – 6 January 2028
- 6 March 1961 – 6 March 2028
However, these dates are subject to change, especially with the upcoming pension review. The Department for Work and Pensions will send a letter to everyone affected by a state pension age change informing them of this and providing further details.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced last month that the review would ensure the state pension system is « sustainable and affordable ». This could result in another age increase, originally scheduled for the 2040s, being brought forward.
The review is set to report in March 2029. The Chancellor told reporters: « We have just commissioned a review of pensions adequacy, so whether people are saving enough for retirement, and also the state pension age.
« As life expectancy increases it is right to look at the state pension age to ensure that the state pension is sustainable and affordable for generations to come. That’s why we have asked a very experienced set of experts to look at all the evidence. »
You can check what age you might receive the state pension using the government’s checker tool. Another tool also enables you to check how much state pension you’re likely to receive.
