Millions of Britons will need to adjust their retirement plans as the government confirms a significant rise in the State Pension age. The official timetable shows the age at which you can start claiming will increase from 66 to 67, with changes beginning in just over two years.
When Will the State Pension Age Change?
The phased increase is scheduled to start in April 2026 and will be fully implemented by 2028. This shift means that individuals born between 6 April 1960 and 5 April 1977 will be directly impacted, seeing their eligibility date pushed back.
It's crucial to understand that your State Pension age is the earliest point you can receive the government pension. This is separate from when you might access a workplace or personal pension, which often have their own rules.
How Much is the State Pension and Who is Affected?
The amount you receive depends on your National Insurance record. Currently, the full new State Pension is £230.25 per week, though your actual payment could be higher or lower based on factors like being contracted out or having Additional State Pension contributions.
Currently, eligibility for the New State Pension requires reaching the State Pension age and being a man born on or after 6 April 1951 or a woman born on or after 6 April 1953. The government has also indicated a further rise from 67 to 68 is planned for between 2044 and 2046.
Check Your Personal State Pension Age
The simplest way to know your exact situation is to use the official government tool. The free online checker on GOV.UK allows anyone to find their personal State Pension age and Pension Credit qualifying age, which is a vital step for financial planning.
Charities like Age UK warn that the State Pension age will remain under review and could change again in future, influenced by factors such as national life expectancy trends.
With these changes on the horizon, checking your status and understanding your National Insurance record has never been more important for securing your financial future.
