From April 2026, the State Pension age in the UK will begin to rise from 66 to 67. This change will not happen overnight but will be introduced gradually and will be completed by 2028. It will affect people born between 6 March 1961 and 5 April 1977, who will now have to wait until they turn 67 to claim their State Pension. This is a significant change, as millions of people who had planned to retire at 66 will now need to work or rely on other income for an extra year.
Why the change is happening
The UK Government set this increase in law back in the Pensions Act 2014. The reason behind the rise is simple: people are living longer, and the pension system needs to remain sustainable for future generations. By increasing the age, the government aims to make sure that people spend a fair balance of their adult life in work and in retirement. Another rise is already scheduled. Under the Pensions Act 2007, the State Pension age will move again, from 67 to 68, between 2044 and 2046. However, there are ongoing discussions about whether this timetable should be brought forward.
How this could affect retirement plans
If you were expecting to retire at 66, this change could mean adjusting your financial plans. For many, the State Pension forms the foundation of retirement income, so waiting an extra year will have an impact. While private and workplace pensions may be available earlier, the official State Pension will only start at 67 for those affected. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that everyone impacted will receive a letter well before their pension age changes, so there will be time to prepare. However, experts recommend reviewing your retirement plans now so that the increase does not come as a shock later.
Checking your State Pension age
If you are unsure about when you will qualify, you can use the official State Pension age checker on GOV.UK. This simple online service shows you the exact date when you will reach State Pension age. It also tells you when you qualify for Pension Credit and when you can get free bus travel, which is still available at 60 in Scotland. Knowing your State Pension age is an important step in planning for retirement. It gives you clarity and allows you to make better financial decisions about savings and pensions.
Options to boost your pension
Many people are now choosing to top up their pensions to make up for the later start date. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) recently confirmed that more than 10,000 payments worth £12.5 million have already been made by people using the new online service to increase their State Pension. Your final pension amount depends on your National Insurance record. If you have gaps in your contributions, you may receive less. The option to make voluntary contributions gives people the chance to maximise what they will get once they reach retirement age.
What happens in the future
While the move to 67 is fixed and will go ahead from 2026, the government is already reviewing whether future increases should happen sooner. A new Pension Commission will publish its findings in 2027, looking at issues such as savings levels and life expectancy. Dr Suzy Morrissey has been asked to provide advice, and the Government Actuary’s Department will also review how much of adult life should be spent in retirement. Any decision to change the timetable further would have to be approved by Parliament. For now, the key message is that the State Pension age will rise to 67 by 2028, and anyone born between 1961 and 1977 should start planning for it now.