The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) state pension age is set to increase to 67 for individuals born in specific years, starting in June. The state pension age is the earliest point at which you can begin claiming your state pension, but millions of people will now face a longer wait before they can do so.
Phased Increase
The state pension age for both men and women was previously 66, but this is now climbing to 67. The increase began on April 6, 2026, and is being carried out in phases. The first people affected were those born between April 6, 1960, and May 5, 1960. The state pension age for these individuals is 66 years and one month.
Following this, people born between May 6, 1960, and June 5, 1960, will be eligible to claim their state pension upon reaching the age of 66 and two months. This group will be able to claim their state pension in July or early August, rather than May or early June. The state pension age will continue to gradually increase by one month until it ultimately reaches 67.
Timetable for Claiming State Pension
The process is expected to be concluded by April 2028. There are also plans for the state pension age to rise further to 68 between April 2044 and April 2046. This would affect those born from April 1977 onwards. Calls have been made to bring this forward, but a decision on the matter has been postponed.
The following timetable shows your date of birth and the age at which you can claim your state pension:
- 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
It is important to check your birth year to understand when you will be eligible to claim your state pension and plan your retirement accordingly.
