The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that the State Pension age will increase for individuals born after September 6, 1960, under a timetable originally set out in the Pensions Act 2014. The change affects those born between 1960 and 1961, who will now reach their State Pension age at 66 years plus a specified number of months, depending on their exact date of birth.
The DWP is actively publicising the updated schedule, with particular emphasis on people born between 1960 and 1961. For this group, the State Pension age will be 66 years and a set number of months, calculated according to the day and month of their birthday. The government has also provided a State Pension calculator tool to help individuals determine their personal State Pension age.
Phased Increase from 66 to 67
According to the DWP, the Pensions Act 2014 brought forward the increase in the State Pension age from 66 to 67 by eight years. As a result, the State Pension age for both men and women will rise to 67 between 2026 and 2028. This represents a significant shift from the previous timeline, which had scheduled the increase for a later period.
The government has also altered the way the increase is phased. Instead of reaching State Pension age on a single specific date, people born between April 6, 1960, and March 5, 1961, will reach it at 66 years plus a specified number of months. For those born after April 5, 1969, but before April 6, 1977, the State Pension age was already set at 67 under the Pensions Act 2007.
Full DWP Timetable for State Pension Age Increase
The DWP has published a detailed timetable showing the exact State Pension age for each birth date range. For example, individuals born between September 6, 1960, and October 5, 1960, will reach State Pension age at 66 years and 6 months. Those born between October 6, 1960, and November 5, 1960, will reach it at 66 years and 7 months.
- November 6, 1960 – December 5, 1960: 66 years and 8 months
- December 6, 1960 – January 5, 1961: 66 years and 9 months
- January 6, 1961 – February 5, 1961: 66 years and 10 months
- February 6, 1961 – March 5, 1961: 66 years and 11 months
- March 6, 1961 – April 5, 1977: 67 years
This phased approach means that the transition from 66 to 67 will occur gradually over a period of several months, rather than as a single step. The DWP says the State Pension age will be kept under review, which means it could change again in the future depending on factors such as changes in life expectancy.
Impact on Future Pensioners
The changes will affect anyone born after September 6, 1960, who will need to plan for a later retirement date than previously expected. The DWP advises individuals to use the government's State Pension calculator to find out their exact State Pension age, ensuring they have accurate information for financial planning.
The DWP said: "The Pensions Act 2014 brought the increase in the State Pension age from 66 to 67 forward by eight years. The State Pension age for men and women will now increase to 67 between 2026 and 2028." The statement also noted that for people born after April 5, 1969, but before April 6, 1977, the State Pension age was already 67 under the Pensions Act 2007.
As the State Pension age continues to be reviewed, future adjustments remain possible. The DWP has not announced any further changes beyond the current timetable, but the ongoing review means pensioners should stay informed about potential updates to their expected retirement age.
