The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is reminding individuals to verify their State Pension age as the long-anticipated increase from 66 to 67 is now being implemented. The adjustment began in April and means those born in the early 1960s may not retire at 66, with their State Pension age instead being calculated according to their date of birth.
State Pension Age Rise Timeline
The State Pension age is rising from 66 to 67 between now and March 2028. Those born between April 6, 1960 and March 5, 1961 will see their retirement age extended beyond 66, with the precise age dependent on their birth date. For some, this could mean waiting several additional months before they can begin collecting their State Pension.
DWP Urges Verification
As reported by the Daily Record, the DWP is urging those nearing retirement to verify their State Pension age so they understand precisely when they will qualify, as payments do not commence automatically. The DWP stated: "Between April 2026 and March 2028, the State Pension age will gradually rise from 66 to 67, affecting those born on or after 6 April 1960."
The DWP added: "State Pension does not start automatically - people must actively claim it. Use the free State Pension age calculator on GOV.UK to find your exact age - you just need your date of birth. You can also use the Check your State Pension forecast tool to see how much you might get and if you can increase it, for example, by filling any gaps in your record."
How to Claim Your State Pension
Another important point is that the State Pension does not start automatically - people must actively claim it upon reaching State Pension age. The Pension Service typically dispatches an invitation letter approximately four months before an individual reaches their State Pension age, outlining how to submit a claim. The DWP said: "Remember, your State Pension doesn't start automatically. The Pension Service will write to you around four months before you reach State Pension age to invite you to apply."
Verifying your State Pension age is straightforward and can be completed online by inputting a date of birth into the UK Government's official State Pension age calculator.
State Pension Amount and National Insurance
The full New State Pension is currently valued at £241.30 per week, equivalent to £995.20 for each four-week payment period. The precise sum an individual receives is determined by their National Insurance record. Most people require approximately 35 qualifying years of National Insurance Contributions (NICs) to obtain the full New State Pension, while those with fewer years may be entitled to a reduced sum. A minimum of 10 years of NICs is necessary to qualify for any State Pension payments.
Future Increases
The rise in the State Pension age forms part of a long-term UK Government strategy aimed at reflecting increasing life expectancy and the mounting expense of funding pensions. Additional increases are already scheduled, with the State Pension age anticipated to climb once more to 68 in the mid-2040s, though the precise timeline for that adjustment remains under review. For the present, the DWP states the priority is ensuring individuals approaching retirement comprehend when they will become eligible for the State Pension and how to claim it.
Check Your State Pension Age
Check your State Pension age to find out when you can retire and claim State pension using the free online tool at GOV.UK. This will tell you when you will reach State Pension age and your Pension Credit qualifying age.
