The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed a significant change to State Pension access rules, with the State Pension age rising from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028. This change, brought forward by the Pensions Act 2014, will affect millions of people born between 6 April 1960 and 5 April 1977, delaying when they can start claiming their pension.
The full new State Pension currently pays £241.30 a week, or approximately £12,550 a year. Payments are reviewed annually each April, with the triple lock guarantee ensuring they rise in line with the highest of inflation, average earnings growth, or 2.5 per cent. In April 2026, payments increased by 4.8 per cent, aligned with the earnings measure.
Phased Increase Timetable
The DWP has outlined a detailed phased timetable for the increase, affecting those born between 6 April 1960 and 5 April 1977. For individuals born between 6 April 1960 and 5 March 1961, the State Pension age will be reached at 66 years plus a specified number of months, depending on the exact date of birth. For example, someone born on 6 April 1960 will reach State Pension age at 66 years and 1 month, while someone born on 5 March 1961 will reach it at 66 years and 11 months.
For those born after 5 April 1969 but before 6 April 1977, under the Pensions Act 2007, the State Pension age was already set at 67. However, the 2014 Act brought the increase forward for those born between 6 April 1960 and 5 April 1969, who previously would have reached State Pension age at 66.
Official Statement from DWP
A DWP spokesperson 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 Government also changed the way in which the increase in State Pension age is phased so that rather than reaching State Pension age on a specific date, people born between 6 April 1960 and 5 March 1961 will reach their State Pension age at 66 years and the specified number of months."
The spokesperson added: "For people born after 5 April 1969 but before 6 April 1977, under the Pensions Act 2007, State Pension age was already 67."
Impact on Pensioners
The change means that new pensioners will have to wait longer before they can access their State Pension, potentially affecting their retirement plans. The full timetable is as follows:
- 6 April 1960 – 5 May 1960: 66 years and 1 month
- 6 May 1960 – 5 June 1960: 66 years and 2 months
- 6 June 1960 – 5 July 1960: 66 years and 3 months
- 6 July 1960 – 5 August 1960: 66 years and 4 months
- 6 August 1960 – 5 September 1960: 66 years and 5 months
- 6 September 1960 – 5 October 1960: 66 years and 6 months
- 6 October 1960 – 5 November 1960: 66 years and 7 months
- 6 November 1960 – 5 December 1960: 66 years and 8 months
- 6 December 1960 – 5 January 1961: 66 years and 9 months
- 6 January 1961 – 5 February 1961: 66 years and 10 months
- 6 February 1961 – 5 March 1961: 66 years and 11 months
- 6 March 1961 – 5 April 1977: 67 years
This change is part of broader government policy to address the UK's ageing population and rising pension costs. The move has been met with mixed reactions, with some welcoming the additional time to build up pension contributions, while others express concern about the impact on those in physically demanding jobs or with health issues.
Andy Burnham's Role
Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has been vocal on pension and social security issues, although his direct role in this DWP rule change is not specified. Burnham has previously advocated for a fairer pension system and has called for more support for older workers. His comments on the State Pension age rise have been part of a broader debate on retirement age policy.
As the changes take effect, it is crucial for those approaching retirement to check their exact State Pension age and plan accordingly. The DWP provides an online tool where individuals can check their State Pension age based on their date of birth, ensuring they have accurate information for their retirement planning.
