The state pension age is currently 66 and rising to 67, but new reports indicate that the increase to 68 could be brought forward by at least seven years, to 2037. This would affect approximately five million people currently aged between 49 and 55, who would have to work or wait an extra year before becoming eligible for their state pension.
Current Policy and Reported Changes
According to The Times, Treasury officials have told the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) that the “current policy” is to bring the retirement age increase forward to 2037. The state pension age is already rising from 66 to 67, a process that began in April 2026 and will be completed by April 2028. The previous legislation, set in the Pensions Act 2007, scheduled the rise to 68 between April 2044 and April 2046.
The OBR reportedly stated: “We assume that the state pension rises to 68 in 2037-39. The Treasury has confirmed to us that this is the government’s current policy position, rather than the legislated increase set in the Pensions Act 2007.” It also noted that the government would face an additional cost of £6 billion for every year the rise is delayed.
Government Response and Review
The Treasury has pushed back against these claims, with a spokesperson insisting: “This is untrue. The law remains to increase to the State Pension to 68 in 2044. In July 2025 we announced the launch of the third review of the state pension age, as required by legislation.” Pensions Minister Torsten Bell also stated on social media that the Labour Government had not announced any change of policy.
The previous Conservative government had committed to raising the state pension age to 68 by 2037, up to seven years early. Labour began a review of the state pension age last year, and ministers have emphasized that no final decision has been made.
Impact on Individuals and Current Pension Rates
If the rise is brought forward, those currently aged 49 to 55 would be most affected. Individuals can check their state pension age on GOV.UK by entering their date of birth. The state pension increased by 4.8% in April 2026, in line with the triple lock, which guarantees annual increases based on the highest of earnings growth, inflation, or 2.5%.
The full new state pension is currently worth £241.30 per week, while the old basic state pension is £184.90 per week. These are the maximum amounts; individuals may receive less depending on their National Insurance record.
