The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is raising the State Pension age for another cohort of people with September birthdays next month. Those born between 6 August 1960 and 5 September 1960 will reach State Pension age at 66 years and 5 months, while those born between 6 September 1960 and 5 October 1960 will reach it at 66 years and 6 months.
The State Pension is a regular payment from the government that most people can claim when they reach State Pension age. The amount received is based on National Insurance (NI) contributions and credits. The State Pension age is gradually increasing from 66 to 67 years, with the rise to 67 phased in by 2028.
Phased Increase Timetable
Under the DWP's timetable, the first cohort affected by the increase to 67 are people born between 6 April 1960 and 5 May 1960, who have a State Pension age of 66 years and one month. People born between 6 March 1961 and 6 April 1977 have a State Pension age of 67. The September 2026 changes apply to those with birthdays in August, September, and early October 1960.
Since April 2016, there have been two different systems: the old State Pension (sometimes called the basic State Pension) and the new State Pension. Which system applies depends on whether you reached State Pension age before or after the new system was introduced.
How to Claim Your State Pension
You do not receive your State Pension automatically – you must claim it. You should receive a letter from the Pension Service around four months before you reach State Pension age. If you have not received it with two months to go, contact the Pension Service for guidance.
You can make a claim for your State Pension up to four months in advance. Claiming in advance is recommended, as processing can take some time. There are several ways to claim.
Claiming Online, by Phone, or by Post
To claim online, visit www.gov.uk/get-state-pension. The Pension Service letter includes a code needed for online claims. For technical help, call 0800 169 0154. To claim by phone, call the Pension Service claim line on 0800 731 7898. To claim by post, download a claim form from www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-basic-statepension or call 0800 731 7898 to have a form posted to you.
The changes mean that people born in the affected date ranges will need to wait longer before receiving their State Pension, with the exact age depending on their specific birth date.
