Another group of retirees will see their state pension age increase this August, as the phased rise from 66 to 67 continues. The change, enacted in 2014, is being gradually introduced over three tax years, affecting people differently based on their date of birth.
Who is affected in August 2026?
Those born between May 6 and June 5, 1960, will now receive their state pension at 66 years and 2 months, which means they become eligible for payments from July to August 2026. Without the age rise, they would have claimed at age 66.
This is the second group of state pensioners impacted by the changes. The first group, born between April 6 and May 5, 1960, began claiming at 66 years and 1 month from May to June 2026.
Phased increase details
The state pension age is increasing from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028, but the rise is not a 'cliff edge' for all. Instead, it is phased in monthly increments based on birth date ranges. The government 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."
People born between April 6, 1960 and March 5, 1961 will reach state pension age at 66 years and a specified number of months, rather than on a specific date.
Future increases and review
The government has also announced that the state pension age is being reviewed again earlier than required. The last review was completed in 2023, and the next was not due for six years. However, due to pressure on public finances, the review is being brought forward, which could mean the increase to 68, due in the 2040s, might be accelerated depending on the outcome.
