If you’re living in the UK and planning your retirement, be ready—big changes are coming. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has officially announced that from April 2026 to April 2028, the State Pension age will rise from 66 to 67. This means millions of people—especially those born between April 1960 and April 1977—will have to wait longer to claim their pension.
Overview
| Aspect | Current Status (2025) | From 2026 Onwards |
|---|---|---|
| State Pension Age | 66 for men and women | Rising to 67 |
| Birth Years Affected | None | 1960 to 1977 |
| Full Weekly State Pension | £221.20 | No change in amount |
| Qualifying NI Years (Minimum) | 10 years | Same |
| Full Pension NI Years | 35 years | Same |
What Is the UK State Pension?
The UK State Pension is a regular weekly payment provided by the government to individuals who have reached the official retirement age and have made enough National Insurance (NI) contributions.
- Minimum requirement: 10 qualifying NI years
- Full State Pension: Requires 35 NI years
- Weekly Rate in 2025: £221.20
- If you haven’t paid in for 35 years, you’ll get a lower amount.
New Rules in 2026
From 6 April 2026 to 5 April 2028, the UK government will gradually increase the State Pension age from 66 to 67. It won’t happen overnight, but it will affect a wide group of people:
- If you’re born between 6 April 1960 and 5 April 1977, you’ll now retire at 67.
- For example, someone born on 1 January 1962 who expected to retire at 66 will now have to wait another year to start receiving pension payments.
Why Is the Pension Age Being Increased?
The DWP gives three main reasons for this change:
- People Are Living Longer: With longer lifespans, pension payments are being made for more years.
- Financial Sustainability: Fewer workers and more retirees put strain on the system.
- Public Spending Control: Delaying pensions helps reduce government costs.
Who Will It Impact?
You’ll be affected if:
- You were born between April 1960 and April 1977
- You are currently aged between 47 and 65
- You planned to retire at 66
To find out exactly when you can claim your pension, use the official government pension age calculator here: Check your State Pension age
How to Prepare Now
If you’re affected, consider taking these steps:
- Check your exact retirement age using the official calculator.
- Review your National Insurance record to ensure you’re on track to receive the full pension.
- Increase personal or workplace pension savings to cover the 1-year gap.
- Consider working an extra year, if your health and situation allow.
- Consult a financial adviser to get help with planning.
FAQs
Q1. Who is affected by the new pension age rules in 2026?
A: People born between 6 April 1960 and 5 April 1977 will now receive the State Pension at age 67.
Q2. Will the pension amount decrease because of the age change?
A: No, the pension amount remains the same—you’ll just receive it a year later.
Q3. Where can I check my exact retirement age?
A: You can check your retirement age using the official tool at gov.uk/state-pension-age.
