The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that people born between 6 September 1960 and 5 October 1960 will face a delay in receiving their State Pension, with payouts starting at age 66 years and 6 months. This change, brought about by the Pensions Act 2014, accelerates the increase in the State Pension age from 66 to 67 by eight years, affecting those with specific birthdays.
Who Is Affected by the September Delay?
According to the DWP, the State Pension age for both men and women will now rise to 67 between 2026 and 2028. The Labour government has also revised the phasing of this increase, meaning that instead of reaching State Pension age on a fixed date, individuals born between 6 April 1960 and 5 March 1961 will reach it at 66 years plus a specified number of months.
For those with birthdays from 6 September to 5 October 1960, this translates to waiting until 66 years and 6 months before they can claim their State Pension. This change is part of a broader adjustment that began with the Pensions Act 2014, which moved the planned increase from 66 to 67 forward by eight years.
How the State Pension Age Has Changed Over Time
Turn2Us, a charity that provides financial guidance, explains: "Your age may affect which benefits you can claim. When you reach State Pension age, you can start claiming some benefits but some other benefits will stop. There are also some benefits that you can claim at any age (as an adult). Your State Pension age is the same as your Pension Credit age unless you are a man born before 6 December 1953."
Historically, from 6 April 2010 to November 2018, the State Pension age for women gradually increased from 60 to 65, affecting all women born on or after 6 April 1950. From December 2018, both men and women saw the age rise from 65 to 66 by October 2020, impacting women born on or after 6 April 1953 and men born on or after 6 December 1953.
Future Increases and How to Check Your Pension Age
The government plans to raise the State Pension age from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028, affecting those born on or after 6 April 1960. A further increase is planned to lift the age from 67 to 68 between 2044 and 2046, though this may be brought forward. Individuals can verify their exact State Pension age using the "Check your State Pension age" tool on the official government website, ensuring they know when they become eligible.
