The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed a pension benefit age rise for older people in August. The State Pension age in the UK is currently rising from 66 to 67, phased in gradually over two years until 2028. This affects when people with a 66th birthday in this period become eligible for the State Pension, with some waiting until they are almost 67 for their first payment. The increase also affects Pension Credit, a key benefit for lower-income pensioners, meaning a longer wait for that support.
Pension Credit Value and Additional Benefits
Pension Credit is worth £4,300 per year on average, according to the DWP, and can top up weekly income to £238 for singles or £363.25 for couples. It also unlocks other support, including council tax discounts, help with housing and NHS costs, and free TV licences for those over 75.
The DWP confirmed to the Express that Pension Credit eligibility is linked to State Pension age, which “means it is rising in line with the increase in State Pension age and is currently 66 plus a specified number of months, depending on an individual’s birthday.”
Expert Comment on the Impact
Clare Moffat, Pension and Tax Expert at Royal London, told the Express: “Raising the State Pension age doesn't just affect when people can claim their State Pension, it also means some older people will have to wait longer before they can access valuable financial support.
“For those whose 66th birthday falls during the transition period, the impact could be significant. Pension Credit is worth thousands of pounds a year for eligible pensioners on low incomes, and it can also act as a gateway to additional help, such as support with housing costs, council tax and the Winter Fuel Payment, depending on individual circumstances.
“Having to wait several extra months, or potentially close to a year, before becoming eligible could leave some households facing a real financial squeeze at a stage of life when opportunities to increase their income may be limited.”
DWP Timetable for the Age Rise
The DWP timetable confirms the next phase is now underway, affecting those born between August 6, 1960, and September 5, 1960. People with a 66th birthday in this window will wait an extra five months until they reach State Pension age and become eligible for Pension Credit. For example, someone born on August 6, 1960, reaches State Pension age on January 6, 2027, at 66 years and five months.
The full DWP timetable for the rise from 66 to 67, showing when people with birthdays between April 6, 1960, and March 5, 1961, can claim State Pension and Pension Credit in England, Scotland, and Wales, is as follows:
- 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 years
The DWP said: "The Pensions Act 2014 brought the increase in the State Pension age from 66 to 67 forward by eight years. The State Pension age for men and women will now increase to 67 between 2026 and 2028."
"The Government also changed the way in which the increase in State Pension age is phased so that rather than reaching State Pension age on a specific date, people born between 6 April 1960 and 5 March 1961 will reach their State Pension age at 66 years and the specified number of months."
"For people born after 5 April 1969 but before 6 April 1977, under the Pensions Act 2007, State Pension age was already 67."
