The State Pension age is set to rise to 67 by April 2028, with gradual increases over a two-year period. Previously set at 66, the increase reflects rising life expectancies and the growing pensions bill, which costs the government £146.1 billion for the 2025-2026 financial year. This is partly due to the triple lock commitment, ensuring payments rise by inflation, earnings growth, or 2.5%—whichever is highest—boosting spending by £12 billion more per year compared to earnings-linked uprating since 2011.
Who Is Affected First?
Those born between April 6 and May 5, 1960, are the first affected, with their pension eligibility delayed by one month. Individuals born between March 6, 1961, and April 5, 1977, will retire nearly a year later at age 67.
Future Increases to 68
The state pension age is expected to rise to 68 between April 2044 and April 2046. However, this could be brought forward depending on the outcome of a pension age review launched in July 2025. The review considers evidence from an independent report led by Dr. Suzy Morrissey and a Government Actuary’s Department report on life expectancy projections. Experts warn that younger workers may have to work until 70.
Concerns Over Pension Poverty
Experts caution that delayed payments could push some into pension poverty, as workers may not have enough time to adjust their plans. The Pensioner Poverty report highlights that pre-pensioners are particularly vulnerable. Debbie Abrahams, chair of the Work and Pensions Committee, stated: “Pre-pensioners are particularly exposed. You could’ve worked a gruelling 45 years as a skilled tradesperson, paying taxes only to find yourself short of cash as you limp from day-to-day for more years until the pension payoff. It’s only natural that this situation would make you feel a sense of injustice, facing hardship, having been independent and contributing for decades.”
Detailed Breakdown by Birth Date
- 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
- March 6, 1961 - April 5, 1977: 67
