The State Pension age is increasing from 66 to 67, meaning some people nearing retirement will have to wait several months after turning 66 before they can start claiming. The gradual rise began in April 2026 and will run through to 2028, with the exact State Pension age depending on date of birth.
Under the official State Pension age timetable, people born between April 6, 1960 and March 5, 1961 will reach State Pension age at different points between their 66th and 67th birthdays. Anyone born from March 6, 1961 to April 5, 1977 has a State Pension age of 67.
What age will I reach State Pension age?
The increase from 66 to 67 is being introduced gradually rather than changing all at once. The current State Pension age timetable by date of birth is:
- April 6, 1960 - May 5, 1960: 66 years, 1 month
- May 6, 1960 - June 5, 1960: 66 years, 2 months
- June 6, 1960 - July 5, 1960: 66 years, 3 months
- July 6, 1960 - August 5, 1960: 66 years, 4 months
- August 6, 1960 - September 5, 1960: 66 years, 5 months
- September 6, 1960 - October 5, 1960: 66 years, 6 months
- October 6, 1960 - November 5, 1960: 66 years, 7 months
- November 6, 1960 - December 5, 1960: 66 years, 8 months
- December 6, 1960 - January 5, 1961: 66 years, 9 months
- January 6, 1961 - February 5, 1961: 66 years, 10 months
- February 6, 1961 - March 5, 1961: 66 years, 11 months
- March 6, 1961 - April 5, 1977: 67
For instance, someone born between September 6 and October 5, 1960 will reach State Pension age at 66 years and six months, instead of on their 66th birthday. People can check their individual State Pension age using the UK Government's online service.
The increase could be difficult for some
The Work and Pensions Committee has warned the increase could be especially tough for people who can't stay in work until they reach their revised State Pension age. The report published by the cross-party group of MPs said some 66-year-olds may have to rely on working-age benefits for longer as the change takes effect. MPs highlighted the difference between Universal Credit and the support available after reaching State Pension age.
The Committee said the standard Universal Credit allowance was around £425 a month, while Pension Credit guarantees an income of around £1,031 a month for a single pensioner. It recommended the UK Government consult on temporarily increasing Universal Credit for 66-year-olds, then look at introducing additional support by the end of 2026 while longer-term options are considered.
The Committee pointed to evidence from the previous State Pension age increase that found the poverty rate among people in the year before State Pension age rose from 10% to 24%. It estimated extending extra Universal Credit support to 66-year-olds would cost about £600 million, compared with projected savings of £10.5 billion from raising the State Pension age to 67.
Will the State Pension age rise again?
Under current legislation, the State Pension age is due to increase again from 67 to 68 between 2044 and 2046. People born on or after April 6, 1978 currently have a State Pension age of 68, with a separate phased schedule applying to those born between April 6, 1977 and April 5, 1978.
The UK Government periodically reviews State Pension age, meaning the timetable for future increases can be reconsidered. Currently, however, the legislated timetable remains an increase to 67 between 2026 and 2028, followed by an increase to 68 between 2044 and 2046.
