The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has officially confirmed a major change that will impact millions of people approaching retirement. Beginning in April 2026, the state pension age will gradually rise from 66 to 67, with the full transition completing by March 2028.
This adjustment means individuals born after 6 April 1960 will face delays in receiving their pension, in some cases waiting nearly a full year longer than previously expected.
Why the State Pension Age Is Increasing
The government says the increase is necessary due to longer life expectancy and the rising cost of pensions.
The change was legislated under the Pensions Act 2014, which brought the timeline forward by eight years compared to earlier plans. Officials argue that as people live longer, pensions must be adjusted to ensure they remain affordable and fair across generations.
Reviews show that state pensions are now paid out for more years than in the past, creating significant financial pressure on public spending. The new timetable is meant to strike a balance between supporting today’s retirees and protecting future budgets.
Who Will Be Affected by the New Pension Age
The phased increase mainly affects those born between 6 April 1960 and 5 April 1961.
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- For example, someone born in April 1960 will see their pension delayed by one month.
- Someone born in February 1961 will face a wait of nearly 11 months.
Those born between 6 March 1961 and 5 April 1977 will see their state pension age fixed at 67. For anyone born after April 1977, the pension age remains at 67 until the next scheduled review.
Month-by-Month Transition Schedule
The DWP has released a clear timetable to explain exactly how the change will work:
| Date of Birth | 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 |
| 6 Mar 1961 – 5 Apr 1977 | 67 years |
This schedule makes clear that the increase will be gradual, not sudden, but still requires affected individuals to wait longer before drawing their pension.
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Future Pension Age Changes on the Horizon
Once the increase to 67 is complete in 2028, the next scheduled rise will take the state pension age to 68 between 2044 and 2046.
However, the government has left open the possibility of bringing this date forward, depending on demographic and economic conditions. Analysts suggest another review could lead to an earlier rise, though nothing has yet been confirmed.
Why This Matters for Workers and Retirees
The confirmed rise will significantly affect financial planning for anyone nearing retirement.
- Those born after April 1960 will need to adjust their retirement expectations.
- Some will face an 11-month delay in receiving their first payment.
- Younger generations (born after April 1977) should prepare for a later pension age in the future.
The DWP stresses that these reforms are designed to ensure the state pension remains sustainable while still protecting current retirees.
FAQs on UK State Pension Age Rise
Q1: When will the UK state pension age rise to 67?
The pension age will begin rising in April 2026 and will be fully implemented by March 2028.
Q2: Who will be affected by the rise to 67?
People born after 6 April 1960 will be affected, with delays ranging from 1 to 11 months before they can claim their pension.
Q3: How will the pension age increase be phased in?
It will be introduced gradually, with those born between April 1960 and March 1961 seeing incremental monthly increases, and those born after March 1961 moving directly to age 67.
Q4: Will there be future changes after the age rises to 67?
Yes. The next scheduled rise is to 68 between 2044 and 2046, though this could be reviewed and brought forward.
Q5: Why is the pension age increasing?
The government cites longer life expectancy and the need to make pensions affordable and sustainable as the main reasons.
