The state pension age rise from 66 to 67 is causing delays for people who turned 66 in August 2026, with some not receiving payments until 2027.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is implementing the increase over two years, having started in April 2026. The process will be fully complete by April 2028, when the state pension age reaches 67.
Who is affected?
Those born between July 6, 1960 and August 5, 1960, who would have previously qualified at age 66, now receive their pension at 66 years and 4 months, meaning payments start between November and December 2026.
People born between August 5, 1960 and September 5, 1960 face a longer wait of five months, receiving their pension at 66 years and 5 months, with payments starting between January and February 2027.
How the phasing works
The increase is phased in monthly increments based on birth dates, starting from April 1960. The government's guidance states: “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.”
It also says: “The government also changed the way in which the increase in the state pension is phased so that rather than reaching state pension age on a specific date, people born between April 6, 1960 and March 5, 1961 will reach their state pension age at 66 years and the specified number of months.”
Future review
Separately, the government is reviewing the state pension age again, earlier than required. The last review was in 2023, and the next is not due for six years. However, due to pressure on public finances, the review has been brought forward, potentially bringing the next increase to 68, currently scheduled for the 2040s, closer.
