The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that the State Pension age will continue rising to 67 between 6 April 2026 and 5 April 2028, in line with existing legislation, while introducing a strengthened formal review process before any move beyond 67.

Headlines suggesting a sudden end to retiring at 67 have caused confusion. In reality, the rise to 67 remains scheduled under the Pensions Act 2014, but the Government has reaffirmed that future increases — including a potential rise to 68 — must be justified through structured evidence-based reviews.

The update affects people born in the early 1960s most directly, while younger workers face longer-term implications depending on future demographic and economic data.

What Is the State Pension Age?

The State Pension age is the earliest age at which you can claim your State Pension.

It does not mean you must stop working. Many people continue employment part-time or full-time after reaching pension age. However, it determines when regular State Pension payments begin.

The age has gradually increased over the past two decades due to:

• Rising life expectancy
• Demographic shifts
• Public spending pressures

What the “67 Rule” Actually Meant

Under current law:

• The State Pension age rises from 66 to 67
• The transition takes place between April 2026 and April 2028
• It applies to both men and women

The informal “67 rule” referred to this phased increase.

For those born between 6 April 1960 and 5 April 1961, pension eligibility will shift depending on exact date of birth.

What Has Now Been Approved?

The Government has confirmed:

• The timetable for reaching age 67 remains in place
• A formal review structure will assess any move beyond 67
• Future increases must consider updated life expectancy and fiscal evidence

This does not mean the pension age is being reduced back to 66.

It does mean that any increase beyond 67 will undergo clearer scrutiny rather than automatic escalation.

Why Was the Pension Age Reviewed?

Several factors prompted reassessment:

• Slower improvements in life expectancy
• Economic pressures on households
• Concerns from manual and lower-income workers
• Public consultation responses

Earlier projections assumed continuous increases in longevity. More recent data suggests improvements have slowed, raising questions about whether previous assumptions remain appropriate.

Who Is Most Affected?

Born in the Early 1960s

Those born between:

• 6 April 1960 and 5 April 1961

will see their State Pension age rise gradually toward 67.

Younger Workers

Workers under 50 may be affected by future changes if the pension age eventually rises to 68, but that decision has not yet been accelerated.

Your exact eligibility depends entirely on your date of birth.

Does This Mean Retirement at 67 Is Ending?

No.

For many people, 67 remains their qualifying State Pension age.

The change simply confirms:

• 67 is not necessarily the final long-term ceiling
• Any move beyond 67 must undergo structured review

The headline narrative is more dramatic than the underlying policy.

How Much Is the State Pension Worth?

For the 2025/26 tax year, the full new State Pension is:

• £221.20 per week
• Around £11,502 per year

To qualify for the full rate, you typically need:

• 35 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions
• At least 10 qualifying years to receive any amount

Payments are uprated annually under the Government’s triple lock policy.

Financial Impact of Delayed Eligibility

A one-year delay in accessing the State Pension equates to:

• Roughly £11,500 in annual income at current rates

For households planning to retire at 66, this may require:

• Extending employment
• Drawing down workplace pensions earlier
• Using savings
• Adjusting retirement budgets

The impact is particularly significant for households relying heavily on the State Pension as a core income stream.

Why Pension Age Matters

The State Pension forms the foundation of retirement income for millions across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Changes to eligibility age can affect:

• Mortgage repayment schedules
• Private pension drawdown timing
• Savings plans
• Part-time work decisions
• Care planning arrangements

Even a one-year shift can alter long-term financial strategies.

The Broader Demographic Context

The UK faces an ageing population.

More retirees relative to working-age taxpayers increases pressure on:

• Pension spending
• Healthcare budgets
• Public finances

While life expectancy rose significantly over previous decades, recent data suggests growth has slowed, complicating long-term forecasts.

The approved framework aims to balance:

• Fiscal sustainability
• Intergenerational fairness
• Social equity

What This Does Not Mean

The reform does not mean:

• The State Pension is being abolished
• Current pensioners lose income
• Payments are being cut
• Retirement at 67 is immediately scrapped

It concerns eligibility timing — not removal of entitlement.

Early Retirement Considerations

You may retire before State Pension age, but you will not receive State Pension payments until you reach the qualifying age.

Early retirees often rely on:

• Workplace pensions (currently accessible from age 55, rising to 57 in 2028)
• Private pension savings
• Investments
• Part-time income

Understanding the “income gap” is critical.

How to Check Your State Pension Age

To confirm your personal position:

• Use the official GOV.UK State Pension age checker
• Review your National Insurance record
• Request a State Pension forecast

These tools provide personalised guidance based on your date of birth and contribution history.

Planning for Flexibility

Given pension age policy can evolve, consider:

• Diversifying retirement income sources
• Building emergency savings
• Reducing outstanding debt
• Exploring phased retirement

Flexibility reduces financial stress if eligibility ages shift.

What Should You Do Now?

If you are in your late 50s or early 60s:

• Confirm your official State Pension age
• Review contribution history
• Adjust retirement timelines if needed

If younger:

• Factor potential age increases into long-term planning
• Monitor future Government reviews

No application is required for the age change itself.

FAQs

When does the State Pension age rise to 67?

The phased increase runs from 6 April 2026 to 5 April 2028.

Who is directly affected?

Those born between 6 April 1960 and 5 April 1961 are most directly impacted.

Is retiring at 67 being scrapped?

No. For many, 67 remains the qualifying State Pension age.

How much is the full State Pension?

£221.20 per week in 2025/26, subject to annual uprating.

Do current pensioners lose money?

No. Existing State Pension payments remain unchanged.

Could the age rise beyond 67?

Yes, but only after structured Government review and evidence assessment.