The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced a significant change to the State Pension age that will affect anyone born after 1977. Under current legislation, the state pension age is set to rise from 66 to 67 between April 2026 and 2028, but a further increase to 68 is planned between 2044 and 2046.
Phased Increase to 67
The first phase of the increase, from 66 to 67, is being implemented gradually over two years. People whose 66th birthday falls within this transitional period will face a longer wait to become eligible for the State Pension.
Future Increase to 68
The DWP has confirmed that the state pension age will rise again to 68 for those born after April 5, 1977. This increase will be phased in between 2044 and 2046. However, an early review could accelerate this timeline, potentially bringing the age 68 threshold forward.
Review of Pension Age
Typically, the State Pension age is reviewed every six years. The DWP is currently conducting an early review, which may change the timetable for the increase to 68. This review was prompted by concerns that around 15 million people are undersaving for retirement, particularly among the self-employed, low-paid, and some ethnic minorities.
Detailed Timetable for Age 68 Increase
The DWP has provided a detailed schedule for those affected:
- Born April 6, 1977 – May 5, 1977: State Pension age on May 6, 2044
- Born May 6, 1977 – June 5, 1977: State Pension age on July 6, 2044
- Born June 6, 1977 – July 5, 1977: State Pension age on September 6, 2044
- Born July 6, 1977 – August 5, 1977: State Pension age on November 6, 2044
- Born August 6, 1977 – September 5, 1977: State Pension age on January 6, 2045
- Born September 6, 1977 – October 5, 1977: State Pension age on March 6, 2045
- Born October 6, 1977 – November 5, 1977: State Pension age on May 6, 2045
- Born November 6, 1977 – December 5, 1977: State Pension age on July 6, 2045
- Born December 6, 1977 – January 5, 1978: State Pension age on September 6, 2045
- Born January 6, 1978 – February 5, 1978: State Pension age on November 6, 2045
- Born February 6, 1978 – March 5, 1978: State Pension age on January 6, 2046
- Born March 6, 1978 – April 5, 1978: State Pension age on March 6, 2046
- Born on or after April 6, 1978: State Pension age on their 68th birthday
Government Position
The DWP stated: “Under the Pensions Act 2007, the State Pension age for men and women will increase from 67 to 68 between 2044 and 2046. The Pensions Act 2014 provides for a regular review of the State Pension age, at least once every 5 years. The review will be based on the idea that people should be able to spend a certain proportion of their adult life drawing a State Pension.”
The government has emphasised that any changes to the pension age must go through Parliament before becoming law. While the current timetable for the increase to 67 remains unchanged, the review could alter the schedule for the rise to 68.
