The state pension age in the UK is rising from 66 to 67, with an individual's exact date of birth determining when they can start claiming. Those born on or after 6 April 1960 will see their retirement age increase by one month for each month of birth, up to 6 March 1961, after which the age becomes 67.
Tom Selby, director of public policy at AJ Bell, highlighted potential confusion: “Many of those affected during the transition will inevitably be completely unaware that this is happening and have to plug an income gap, albeit potentially only for a few months.”
The changes, announced in 2014, affect both men and women equally. Under current plans, the state pension age will remain at 67 for those born before 5 April 1977, then increase monthly again. Further rises are scheduled, with the age moving from 67 to 68 between 2044 and 2046, though this could be brought forward following a government pension review.
Campaigners from Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) have criticised the lack of compensation for women born between 1950 and 1960 who were inadequately informed of previous changes. The group was recently told again that no compensation scheme will be introduced.
Selby advised workers to check their state pension age using government online tools and to expect a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions a month before they become entitled to the benefit.
