The UK state pension age could rise to 68 by 2039, according to a recent report from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), a move that retirement experts are warning against as it could impact vulnerable Brits.
The state pension age is currently rising from 66 to 67 between April 2026 and April 2028. It was previously set to reach 68 between 2044 and 2046, but this timetable could be brought forward to the late 2030s.
Experts warn against accelerating timeline
Kate Smith, head of pensions at Aegon, described the potential acceleration as an "incredibly bad idea" that would "unfairly shock the system and hit the most vulnerable hardest." She noted that increasing the state pension age benefits the wealthiest most, as they tend to live longer.
Smith recommends a flexible early access system, allowing people to claim their state pension up to three years early at a reduced weekly rate. She believes this would better reflect modern life and provide a "vital financial bridge" for manual labourers, carers, and those battling ill health.
Current state pension age rules
The increase from 66 to 67 is being phased in. Those born before April 6, 1960, keep a state pension age of 66, while those born between that date and March 5, 1961, have an age of 66 plus a specified number of months. For example, someone born in July 1960 reaches state pension age at 66 years and four months.
Those born between March 6, 1961, and April 5, 1977, have a state pension age of 67. The government is legally required to review the state pension age at least once every six years, balancing public finances with life expectancy data.
