DWP State Pension age rising next year for people: If you’re living in the UK and planning for your retirement, it’s important to know that the state pension age is changing. This age is when you can start getting money from the government to support you after you stop working. Right now, both men and women can claim their state pension from age 66. But from next year, things are set to change.
What Is Happening to the State Pension Age?
Starting in April 2026, the UK government will slowly raise the state pension age from 66 to 67. This change won’t happen all at once. It will take about two years, with the process expected to finish by March 2028.
So, if you were born between March 6, 1961, and April 5, 1977, you’ll have to wait until you’re 67 years old to start getting your pension. That means working one extra year compared to people born before that.
These changes were planned long ago under the Pensions Act 2014, and more increases are already on the table. There are also talks of raising the pension age to 68 in the future, possibly between 2044 and 2046.
Why Is This Change Happening?
The government reviews the state pension age every five years to keep up with how long people are living. People are living longer, which means the government has to support them for more years after retirement. So, by raising the pension age, they hope to keep the pension system stable for future generations.
Instead of increasing the age overnight, the new system raises it slowly over a few years. This gives people more time to prepare for the change.
Past and Future Changes
The last time the state pension age increased was from 65 to 66, which happened between 2018 and 2020. It affected women born on or after April 6, 1953, and men born on or after December 6, 1953.
The next step is the move from 67 to 68, and if it goes ahead as planned, it will impact people born after April 1977. But this could change. A government review in 2017 even suggested moving the age to 68 earlier, between 2037 and 2039. That would affect those born between April 6, 1970, and April 5, 1978.
Later, a 2022 review proposed a slower increase, suggesting that the age rise to 68 should happen between 2041 and 2043, and even a possible rise to 69 by 2046–2048.
These suggestions haven’t been confirmed yet. The decision was delayed by the last Conservative government, which said another review would happen after the next general election. Now, it will be up to the Labour government to decide what happens next.
How Can You Check Your Pension Age?
You can find out your own state pension age by using a free tool on the GOV.UK website. Just enter your date of birth, and the tool will show:
- When you’ll reach state pension age
- If you qualify for Pension Credit
- When you can get free bus travel (age 60 in Scotland)
This tool helps you plan your retirement and understand how changes in the law will affect you.
The rise in the state pension age is a big deal, especially for people who are getting close to retirement. It means many will have to work for a year or more longer than they expected. Since the government checks and updates the pension age every five years, it’s smart to stay informed.
Whether you’re in your 50s or early 60s, use the online tools available to plan ahead. And remember, any changes will be shared officially by the government well in advance, so you won’t be caught off guard.
Source: https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/dwp-state-pension-age-rising-35211674
FAQ
How can I check my state pension age online?
You can check your exact state pension age using the free tool on the GOV.UK website by entering your date of birth.
Is the state pension age expected to rise beyond 67?
Yes, there are plans to raise the state pension age to 68 between 2044 and 2046. Reviews have also suggested possible rises to 69 in later years.
Who will be affected by the pension age rise to 67?
People born between March 6, 1961, and April 5, 1977, will need to wait until they turn 67 to claim their state pension.
When is the state pension age rising to 67?
The state pension age will begin increasing to 67 starting from April 2026, and this change will be completed by March 2028.
What is the current UK state pension age?
As of now, the UK state pension age is 66 years for both men and women. You can start claiming your state pension from this age if you qualify.
