The State Pension age will soon start to rise, with the transition expected to be completed for everyone across the UK by 2028.
A significant change to the State Pension is set to start from April. The State Pension age will start to rise from 66 to 67, with the shift expected to be completed for everyone across the UK by 2028.
The proposed change to the official retirement age has been legislated since 2014, with a subsequent increase from 67 to 68 planned for roll-out during the mid-2040s. The Pensions Act 2014 fast-tracked the State Pension age increase from 66 to 67 by eight years.
The UK Government also adjusted how the State Pension age increase is introduced, meaning instead of reaching State Pension age on a specific date, individuals born between March 6, 1961 and April 5, 1977 will become eligible to claim the State Pension when turning 67.
It’s crucial to comprehend these upcoming changes now, especially if you’ve formulated a retirement plan. Everyone affected by alterations to their State Pension age will receive communication from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) with plenty of notice.
As per the Pensions Act 2007, the State Pension age for both men and women will rise from 67 to 68 between 2044 and 2046, reports the Mirror. The Pensions Act 2014 requires a regular review of the State Pension age, at least once every five years.
The review will focus on the principle that individuals should spend a certain proportion of their adult life receiving a State Pension. The UK Government has recently set up a new Pension Commission to investigate ways of boosting pension savings, with its findings due to be revealed in 2027.
The commission will look into issues such as auto-enrolment saving rates, promoting savings among groups like the self-employed, and a reassessment of the State Pension age, according to the Daily Record.
State Pension Rates 2026/27
Full New State Pension
– Weekly: £241.30 (from £230.25)
– Four-weekly pay period: £965.20
– Annual amount: £12,547
Full Basic State Pension
– Weekly: £184.90 (from £176.45)
– Four-weekly pay period: £739.60
– Annual amount: £9,614
Other State Pension rates
– Category B (lower) Basic State Pension – spouse or civil Partner’s insurance: £110.75 (from £105.70)
– Category C or D – non-contributory: £110.75 (from £105.70)
The new payment rates will commence on April 6.
Dr Suzy Morrissey will offer insights on factors the UK Government should consider regarding the State Pension age, whilst the Government Actuary’s Department will prepare a report on the proportion of adult life spent in retirement.
The reassessment of the State Pension age will take into account life expectancy along with a range of other factors relevant to determining the State Pension age. Following the outcome of the review, the UK Government may choose to make changes to the State Pension age. However, any suggested changes would need to be approved by Parliament before they can become law.
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