The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) state pension is set to rise to age 67 for claimants born in specific years, with the change taking effect in June 2026. The state pension age, which is the earliest date you can start receiving your state pension, is gradually increasing from 66 to 67.
Who Is Affected by the State Pension Age Increase?
The state pension age for both men and women was previously 66, but it is now rising to 67. The increase began on April 6, 2026, and is being implemented in stages. The first group affected are those born between April 6, 1960, and May 5, 1960, who now have a state pension age of 66 years and one month.
For individuals born between May 6, 1960, and June 5, 1960, the state pension age is 66 years and two months. This means they will be able to claim their state pension in July or early August, instead of May or early June as previously expected.
Gradual Increase Until 2028
The state pension age will continue to increase by one month at a time until it reaches 67. The process is scheduled to be completed by April 2028. Looking further ahead, there are plans to raise the state pension age again to 68 between April 2044 and April 2046, which would affect individuals born from April 1977 onwards. Calls to bring this forward have been made, but a decision has been delayed.
State Pension Age Timetable by Birth Date
The following timetable shows the state pension age for individuals based on their date of birth:
- April 6, 1960 – May 5, 1960: 66 years and 1 month
- May 6, 1960 – June 5, 1960: 66 years and 2 months
- June 6, 1960 – July 5, 1960: 66 years and 3 months
- July 6, 1960 – August 5, 1960: 66 years and 4 months
- August 6, 1960 – September 5, 1960: 66 years and 5 months
- September 6, 1960 – October 5, 1960: 66 years and 6 months
- October 6, 1960 – November 5, 1960: 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
Millions of people will now have to wait longer to claim their state pension due to these changes. It is essential for those approaching retirement to check their exact state pension age based on their birth date to plan accordingly.
