The UK State Pension age is increasing from 66 to 67 in monthly increments between April 2026 and March 2028
Individuals are being advised to check their State Pension age following the long-anticipated rise from 66 to 67, which began in April. The gradual increase over the coming two years means those born in the early 1960s may no longer retire at 66, with their State Pension age instead being determined by their precise date of birth.
The State Pension age is set to climb from 66 to 67 between now and March 2028. Those born between April 6, 1960 and March 5, 1961 will find their retirement age pushed past 66, with the exact figure dependent on their date of birth.
For some individuals, this could mean waiting several additional months before they become eligible to receive State Pension payments. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging those nearing retirement to confirm their State Pension age so they are fully aware of when they will qualify.
DWP said: “Between April 2026 and March 2028, the State Pension age will gradually rise from 66 to 67, affecting those born on or after 6 April 1960. Use the free State Pension age calculator on GOV.UK to find your exact age – you just need your date of birth. You can also use the Check your State Pension forecast tool to see how much you might get and if you can increase it, for example, by filling any gaps in your record.”
A further key consideration is that the State Pension does not commence automatically – individuals must proactively submit a claim as they approach their State Pension age. The Pension Service typically dispatches an invitation letter approximately four months prior to an individual reaching their State Pension age, outlining how to submit a claim, reports the Daily Record.
DWP said: “Remember, your State Pension doesn’t start automatically. The Pension Service will write to you around four months before you reach State Pension age to invite you to apply.”
Verifying your State Pension age is straightforward and can be completed online by inputting your date of birth into the UK Government’s official State Pension age calculator.
The full New State Pension is now worth £241.30 a week, some £995.20 every four-week payment period. The precise sum an individual receives is determined by their National Insurance record.
Most people need around 35 qualifying years of National Insurance Contributions (NICs) to receive the full New State Pension, while those with fewer years may receive a reduced amount. You need 10 years of NICs to qualify for any State Pension payments.
The rise in State Pension age forms part of long-term UK Government plans intended to account for increasing life expectancy and the escalating costs of pension funding.
Further increases are already scheduled, with the State Pension age anticipated to climb to 68 in the mid-2040s, though the precise timeline for this adjustment remains under review.
For the time being, the DWP states that the focus is on ensuring those approaching retirement are aware of when they will become entitled to the State Pension and how to claim it.
Check your State Pension age Use the free online tool available at GOV.UK to check your State Pension age and find out when you are eligible to retire and begin claiming your State Pension.
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