Millions of people across the UK will need to wait longer to receive their state pension, as the official age of entitlement begins a significant rise from next year.
Major Shift in Pension Age Timeline
The current state pension age of 66 is set to change, marking the most substantial adjustment in a generation. The increase will be implemented gradually, starting in 2026, with the age reaching 67 by 2028.
This change will affect everyone born after 6 April 1960. For many, it will mean working for longer before they can access their state pension income.
Who is Affected and When Can They Claim?
The first group to feel the impact will be individuals born between 6 April and 5 May 1960. Instead of receiving their pension at 66, they will have to wait an extra month, reaching pension age at 66 years and one month.
The delay increases incrementally depending on the exact date of birth. The government has published a detailed schedule outlining the new state pension ages:
- April 6 - May 5, 1960 - 66 years and 1 month
- May 6 - June 5, 1960 - 66 years and 2 months
- June 6 - July 5, 1960 - 66 years and 3 months
- July 6 - August 5, 1960 - 66 years and 4 months
- August 6 - September 5, 1960 - 66 years and 5 months
- September 6 - October 5, 1960 - 66 years and 6 months
- October 6 - November 5, 1960 - 66 years and 7 months
- November 6 - December 5, 1960 - 66 years and 8 months
- December 6, 1960 - January 5, 1961 - 66 years and 9 months
- January 6 - February 5, 1961 - 66 years and 10 months
- February 6 - March 5, 1961 - 66 years and 11 months
Anyone born on or after 6 March 1961 (currently up to age 64) will not be eligible for the state pension until they turn 67.
Planning for a Later Retirement
This phased increase means that individuals must carefully review their long-term financial plans. The shift could affect decisions about savings, investments, and employment.
Experts advise those approaching retirement to check their National Insurance record and obtain a state pension forecast to understand their exact entitlement under the new timeline.
The change underscores the importance of personal pension savings and workplace schemes in bridging the gap for those who may not wish or be able to work until the new state pension age.
