The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that the UK State Pension age will rise from 66 to 67 between 6 April 2026 and 5 April 2028, in line with existing legislation. A further increase to 68 is currently scheduled for between 2044 and 2046, subject to periodic Government review.

There is no immediate change beyond what has already been written into law. However, the long-term direction is clear: the age at which you can claim the State Pension is rising, and future adjustments remain possible.

For workers in their 40s and 50s, this is not theoretical policy. It directly affects retirement timelines, savings targets and career planning.

What Is the Current UK State Pension Age?

As of 2026, the State Pension age is:

• 66 for both men and women

This age was equalised and gradually increased over recent years under reforms introduced through the Pensions Act 2014.

Confirmed Timeline of Changes

Rise to 67 (Already Legislated)

• Begins: 6 April 2026
• Completed by: 5 April 2028
• Affects: People born on or after 6 April 1960

Your exact pension date depends on your date of birth.

Planned Rise to 68

• Scheduled between 2044 and 2046
• Subject to Government review
• No confirmed acceleration as of 2026

Why Is the Pension Age Increasing?

The Government cites several factors:

• Longer life expectancy
• Increased years spent in retirement
• Rising State Pension costs
• Pressure on public finances
• Fewer working-age taxpayers per retiree

While life expectancy growth has slowed in recent years, long-term projections still show an ageing population requiring sustainable funding arrangements.

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 receive the full amount, you usually need:

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

Delaying pension access by one year means deferring around £11,500 in annual income at current rates.

Who Will Be Most Affected?

People Born After April 1960

Those in their late 50s and early 60s will retire at 67 instead of 66.

Workers Under 50

Younger workers should assume retirement age will be at least 67 and potentially 68.

Physically Demanding Occupations

Those in construction, manual labour, healthcare support and manufacturing may face greater challenges extending working lives.

Is the Rise to 68 Happening Earlier?

There has been speculation following 2023 and 2024 reviews about whether the increase to 68 could be brought forward.

As of March 2026:

• No formal acceleration has been announced.
• The scheduled 2044–2046 timetable remains in place.
• Further review reports will assess affordability and longevity trends.

Regional and Social Fairness Debate

Life expectancy varies across the UK.

Some regions and lower-income groups experience shorter average lifespans, leading to criticism that a uniform pension age may disproportionately affect disadvantaged communities.

Trade unions and advocacy groups continue to call for flexibility for certain occupations.

However, no occupation-based exemptions have been introduced.

What This Means Financially

A higher State Pension age means:

• Covering living costs for longer before State Pension begins
• Greater reliance on workplace pensions
• Increased importance of private savings
• Potential need for part-time or flexible work in later years

Retirement planning now requires longer-term modelling.

How the Review Process Works

Under legislation, the Government must review the State Pension age at least every six years.

Reviews consider:

• Life expectancy data
• Economic growth forecasts
• Public spending sustainability
• Intergenerational fairness

Ministers may adjust the timetable based on these findings.

What You Should Do Now

1. Check Your State Pension Age

Use the official GOV.UK calculator to confirm your personal eligibility date.

2. Review Your National Insurance Record

Identify gaps and consider voluntary contributions if appropriate.

3. Reassess Retirement Savings

If pension age rises, your savings target may need adjusting.

4. Consider Career Planning

Training or transitioning into less physically demanding roles may support longer working lives.

What This Does Not Mean

• The State Pension is not being abolished.
• Current pensioners are not affected.
• There is no sudden move to 70.
• No change beyond 67 has been confirmed.

The shift is gradual and already legislated.

FAQs

When does the State Pension age rise to 67?

Between 6 April 2026 and 5 April 2028.

Who is affected by the rise?

Those born on or after 6 April 1960.

Is the pension age rising to 68 soon?

It is scheduled for 2044–2046, with no confirmed acceleration.

How much is the full State Pension?

£221.20 per week in 2025/26.

Do I need to apply for the change?

No. The age adjustment applies automatically based on date of birth.

Are current pensioners affected?

No. The changes apply only to those yet to reach State Pension age.