The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is delaying state pension payments for individuals born in specific years, as the state pension age begins a phased increase from 66 to 67. This gradual rise will affect new pensioners born between April 1960 and March 1961, with the qualifying age increasing in monthly steps.
Why the State Pension Age Is Rising
Zoe Alexander, executive director of policy and advocacy at Pensions UK, explained the reasons behind the change: "The state pension age is rising for three reasons: improved life expectancy, to support the sustainability of the public finances, and improving intergenerational fairness." She added that the monthly step changes can cause confusion, as a single day's difference in a birthday can shift the state pension age by weeks or months.
Alexander advised affected individuals to check their pension date via gov.uk and plan ahead if a gap exists between stopping work and receiving the state pension. "A few simple checks today can make a real difference to your income and peace of mind later," she said.
Detailed Timetable for Those Born in 1960-1961
For people born between April 1960 and March 1961, the state pension age will rise gradually from age 66. The specific increases are as follows:
- Born 6 April 1960 to 5 May 1960: pension at 66 years and 1 month
- Born 6 May 1960 to 5 June 1960: pension at 66 years and 2 months
- Born 6 June 1960 to 5 July 1960: pension at 66 years and 3 months
- Born 6 July 1960 to 5 August 1960: pension at 66 years and 4 months
- And so on, with each subsequent month adding an extra month up to age 67.
These individuals would have originally received their state pension at exactly 66 years, but the DWP has postponed payments to gradually increase the age.
Future Increases to Age 68
Rachel Vahey, head of public policy at AJ Bell, warned that this is just the beginning. "While the increase in the state pension age to 67 will come as a shock to many, this is very much the beginning rather than the end of this story," she said. "Under current plans, the state pension age will rise again to 68 between 2044 and 2046." She suggested that a future government may need to bring this forward and possibly set out plans to increase the age further.
