People born between 6 March 1961 and 5 April 1977 will have to wait until age 67 to claim their state pension, a change that could see some lose out on £13,112.66 from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) next year. This is according to a forecast from Fidelity, which projects a 4.5 per cent increase in the state pension from 2026 to 2027, bringing the annual amount to £13,112.
Phased Rise in State Pension Age
The rise in the State Pension age from 66 to 67 is being phased in over a two-year period starting from 6 April 2026. This means that if you were born between 6 April 1960 and 5 March 1961, your State Pension age will be between 66 and 67.
From April 2028, the State Pension age will be 67 for everyone. This affects those born on 6 March 1961 or later, who will not be able to claim the State Pension until they reach 67 years of age.
Impact on Pension Credit Claims
The next rise in the State Pension age, to 68, is scheduled to be phased in from April 2044 to 2046. However, the date for this rise could change, as noted by Fidelity.
Royal London warned: "If you’re married or live with your partner, then that doesn’t affect when you claim your State Pension. You can each claim the State Pension when you reach your individual State Pension age and the amount you get will be based on your individual National Insurance record."
However, when it comes to state benefits such as Pension Credit, which is a benefit that pensioners on a low income can claim, you can only claim it when both of you have reached State Pension age.
Potential Loss for Older Claimants
"So, if your partner was entitled to claim the State Pension at 66 but you’re not able to claim it until you’re 67, then your partner wouldn’t be able to claim Pension Credit until you’re 67," Royal London added.
People born between 6 March 1961 and 5 April 1977 will have to wait until age 67, whereas before, they'd have been 66. This means those at the older end of this spectrum risk losing £13,112.66 next year where otherwise they'd have qualified.
