The UK Government has confirmed the upcoming changes to the State Pension age, marking the start of a gradual rise from 66 to 67 beginning in 2026, with a further increase to 68 planned for the future.
This update affects millions of workers born after April 1960, who will no longer retire at 66, and reinforces that retirement at 67 is not the final stop for younger generations as the pension age is set to go higher.
Current State Pension Age and the Upcoming Rise to 67
The State Pension age is currently 66 for both men and women. Starting in 2026, it will gradually increase to 67 over a two-year period, completing by 2028.
This change was legislated in the Pensions Act 2014 and has been confirmed to go ahead as planned. It affects people based on their date of birth:
- Those born before 6 April 1960 remain at age 66.
- People born between 6 April 1960 and 5 April 1977 will see their pension age rise progressively to 67.
The phased approach means no one faces a sudden jump—your exact age depends on your birthday. You can check it easily using the government’s online calculator.
Why the Changes Are Happening
The government adjusts the State Pension age to keep the system sustainable as people live longer. Life expectancy has improved over decades, meaning more years spent in retirement, which increases costs for the pension fund.
Key factors include:
- Rising number of pensioners compared to working-age people.
- Need to balance fairness between generations.
While the rise to 67 is locked in, reviews ensure future changes reflect the latest data on health, economy, and demographics.
The End of Retirement at 67: Future Rise to 68
For millions born after April 1977, retirement at 67 won’t be an option—the State Pension age is currently legislated to increase from 67 to 68 between 2044 and 2046.
This means the “age 67 path” ends for younger workers, who will need to plan for a later start to their State Pension. The government conducts regular reviews, and while no acceleration has been confirmed yet, the timetable could adjust based on life expectancy trends.
- The 2023 review kept the rise to 68 as planned in the 2040s.
- A new review is underway to assess long-term affordability.
These changes give at least 10 years’ notice, allowing time to prepare through private savings or workplace pensions.
How to Check Your Personal State Pension Age
The easiest way is the official GOV.UK tool—it takes your date of birth and gives your exact State Pension age, plus a forecast of what you might get.
It’s quick and free, and worth doing if you’re unsure how the changes affect you.
Planning Ahead for the New Rules
With the pension age rising, many people are boosting private pensions or considering working longer. The Triple Lock continues to protect annual increases, linking rises to the highest of earnings, inflation, or 2.5%.
Options like deferring your State Pension can increase payments later, and National Insurance contributions still play a big role in the amount you receive.
The confirmed rise in State Pension age from 66 to 67 starting in 2026, and the planned move to 68 later, ends the traditional retirement path at 67 for millions of younger workers. These rule changes help keep the system fair and affordable as lives get longer. By checking your personal age and building extra savings, you can still secure a comfortable retirement despite the shifts.
FAQs
When does the State Pension age start rising to 67?
It begins gradually in 2026 and reaches 67 for everyone affected by March 2028.
Who is affected by the rise to 67?
Mainly people born on or after 6 April 1960—the exact impact depends on your birth date.
Will the State Pension age go to 68 soon?
It’s currently set for between 2044 and 2046, with no confirmed changes to bring it forward.
How can I find out my exact State Pension age?
Use the free online calculator on GOV.UK—just enter your date of birth.
Does this change the amount I get?
No, the age change affects when you start claiming, not the weekly amount (which is protected by the Triple Lock).
Is there any way to retire earlier?
You can access private or workplace pensions sooner, but State Pension starts at your new age.
