The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a crucial warning for people born between 6 April 1960 and 5 March 1961. While many in this group assume their State Pension age is fixed at 66, in reality, it is higher by several months—depending on your exact birth date.
This means thousands of people may be planning for retirement sooner than they are legally eligible, creating financial confusion and missed opportunities to claim benefits on time.
Why the DWP Is Sounding the Alarm
The DWP stresses that many people are unaware of the incremental increase in State Pension age introduced under the Pensions Act 2014.
Rather than all reaching pension eligibility at exactly 66, those born in this window must wait between 66 years + 1 month and 66 years + 11 months.
Failing to check the correct date can result in:
- Missing official pension claim letters.
- Misjudging household budgets.
- Delaying access to related entitlements like Pension Credit or free bus travel.
When Will You Reach State Pension Age?
The exact State Pension age (SPA) for this group is tied directly to month of birth:
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| Date of Birth Range | State Pension Age |
|---|---|
| 6 Apr 1960 – 5 May 1960 | 66 years + 1 month |
| 6 May 1960 – 5 Jun 1960 | 66 years + 2 months |
| 6 Jun 1960 – 5 Jul 1960 | 66 years + 3 months |
| 6 Jul 1960 – 5 Aug 1960 | 66 years + 4 months |
| 6 Aug 1960 – 5 Sep 1960 | 66 years + 5 months |
| 6 Sep 1960 – 5 Oct 1960 | 66 years + 6 months |
| 6 Oct 1960 – 5 Nov 1960 | 66 years + 7 months |
| 6 Nov 1960 – 5 Dec 1960 | 66 years + 8 months |
| 6 Dec 1960 – 5 Jan 1961 | 66 years + 9 months |
| 6 Jan 1961 – 5 Feb 1961 | 66 years + 10 months |
| 6 Feb 1961 – 5 Mar 1961 | 66 years + 11 months |
For example:
- Someone born 31 December 1960 will only reach SPA on 30 September 2027.
- Someone born 31 January 1961 won’t qualify until 30 November 2027.
This staggered approach reflects the phased rise in retirement age, designed to spread the impact gradually across age groups.
How to Check Your State Pension Age
The DWP strongly recommends using the official “Check Your State Pension Age” tool on GOV.UK.
This service provides:
- Your precise retirement date.
- Eligibility age for Pension Credit.
- Information on free bus pass entitlement.
It is also important to remember: the State Pension is not automatic. You must claim it when you reach your eligibility age—payments will not start unless you actively apply.
Why This Warning Matters Now
This warning comes at a critical moment, as the UK faces a further pension age rise:
- Currently: 66 years.
- Rising to 67 between May 2026 and March 2028.
- Scheduled to increase again to 68 between 2044 and 2046 (with the possibility of being brought forward).
By clarifying their exact pension age now, individuals can:
- Plan retirement savings more accurately.
- Avoid financial gaps caused by delayed eligibility.
- Ensure they don’t miss application deadlines for their first payment.
For those born between April 1960 and March 1961, this is especially crucial—your State Pension age is not a flat 66 but is delayed by several months.
FAQs on the DWP Pension Warning
Q1: Why is my State Pension age later than 66?
Because of reforms under the Pensions Act 2014, your pension age is tied to your exact date of birth. For those born April 1960–March 1961, eligibility is between 66 years + 1 month and 66 years + 11 months.
Q2: Do I need to apply for my State Pension?
Yes. The State Pension is not automatic—you must actively claim it once you reach your eligibility age.
Q3: Can I retire before my State Pension age?
You can retire earlier, but you will not receive the State Pension until your eligibility date. You’ll need to rely on personal savings or workplace pensions in the meantime.
Q4: Can I defer my State Pension to get more money later?
Yes. Deferring can increase your payments. For every 9 weeks you delay, your pension increases by about 1%, equating to around 5.8% extra per year.
Q5: How can I check my exact State Pension age?
You can use the official “Check Your State Pension age” tool on GOV.UK. It will give you your exact eligibility date, plus related benefit information
