State Pension Age change hits this month delaying payment until 67

From April 6, the state pension age will begin rising again to 67, affecting people in their mid-60s who now face waiting longer before receiving payments.

The warning comes from Centre for Ageing Better, which says the shift could push thousands into financial difficulty almost immediately.

“People will be left waiting for a lifeline”

The charity estimates around 100,000 people could be pushed into poverty as a result of the change.

Elaine Smith, Head of Employment and Skills at the Centre for Ageing Better, said: “While raising the state pension age has considerable financial benefits for the Treasury, it also has negative real-life consequences for people in their 60s.”

She added: “The last time the state pension age increased, poverty for 65-year-olds doubled. This rise is likely to have even bigger effects.”

According to the charity, many people in their early-to-mid 60s already rely on the state pension as a “financial lifeline” and delaying access could leave them struggling to cover basic costs.

Why this change could hit harder than before

The increase is part of long-term government plans to reflect longer life expectancy.

But experts say the reality has shifted.

Smith said: “Life expectancy is now lower than before the pandemic, and healthy life expectancy has fallen to its lowest level in years.”

She added that many people simply cannot keep working into their late 60s due to:

• Ill health
• Caring responsibilities
• Age discrimination
• Job availability

“Working up to state pension age is not the norm,” she said. “By age 66, fewer than one in three people are still in work.”

Calls for urgent financial support

The Centre for Ageing Better is urging the government to step in with targeted help for those affected.

Smith said: “People are being asked to work for longer before they can access their state pension, but without any additional help from government to make that possible.”

Proposals include:

• Early access to Pension Credit
• Extra support through Universal Credit
• More funding to help over-50s stay in work

The charity argues that even a small portion of the estimated £10 billion savings from raising the pension age could make a significant difference.

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Inequality concerns growing

Experts warn the change will not affect everyone equally.

Those most at risk include:

• Single people
• Renters
• Lower-income households
• People with health conditions

Smith said: “State pension age increases deepen inequality. Those already out of work are the least likely to benefit and the most likely to struggle.”