The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has implemented a rule change that will see State Pensioners with specific birthdays lose up to £3,136.89 in payments. The State Pension age is gradually rising from 66 to 67, affecting people turning 66 during the transition period.
How the Change Affects Pensioners
Individuals whose 66th birthday falls between June 6 and July 5 will now have to wait an additional three months before they can claim their State Pension. This means they become eligible at 66 years and three months old, effectively missing out on three months of payments. Under current rates, the full new State Pension is £241.30 per week, equating to £12,547.60 annually or £1,045.63 per month. The three-month delay results in a loss of up to £3,136.89 for those entitled to the full amount.
Gradual Implementation
The age increase began on April 6 and will be fully implemented by 2028. The delay varies by birth month, with later birthdays facing longer waits. For example, those born between March 6, 1961, and April 5, 1977, will reach State Pension age at 67. The DWP has confirmed the following timetable:
- Born April 6 – May 5, 1960: eligible at 66 years and 1 month
- Born May 6 – June 5, 1960: eligible at 66 years and 2 months
- Born June 6 – July 5, 1960: eligible at 66 years and 3 months
- Born July 6 – August 5, 1960: eligible at 66 years and 4 months
- Born August 6 – September 5, 1960: eligible at 66 years and 5 months
- Born September 6 – October 5, 1960: eligible at 66 years and 6 months
- Born October 6 – November 5, 1960: eligible at 66 years and 7 months
- Born November 6 – December 5, 1960: eligible at 66 years and 8 months
- Born December 6 – January 5, 1961: eligible at 66 years and 9 months
- Born January 6 – February 5, 1961: eligible at 66 years and 10 months
- Born February 6 – March 5, 1961: eligible at 66 years and 11 months
- Born March 6, 1961 – April 5, 1977: eligible at 67
Future Changes
Everyone born after April 5, 1977, will receive their State Pension at 67, though a further increase to 68 is planned between 2044 and 2046. The government may accelerate this rise as part of a review announced in July last year, potentially making younger generations wait longer. The Office for Budget Responsibility estimates the move to 67 will save around £10 billion by the end of the decade.
Nearly one million pensioners are missing out on a vital DWP benefit, highlighting the importance of staying informed about eligibility changes.
