The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed the next State Pension age increases by birth date, which will determine when people born from April 6, 1960, onwards can start claiming their State Pension. The State Pension age in the UK is currently rising from 66 to 67, with the change introduced in one-month phases over a two-year period, expected to be completed in 2028.
Phased increase from 66 to 67
The first phase of the age change began on April 6 at the start of the new tax year, affecting people with 66th birthdays between April 6, 1960, and May 5, 1960. Under the DWP timetable, those who turned 66 between these dates reached State Pension age at exactly 66 years and one month.
State Pension eligibility becomes further delayed the later a person's 66th birthday falls, increasing by one month each time. For example, those due to turn 66 from October 6 will face an extra seven-month wait before officially reaching State Pension age, meaning they cannot claim until at least May 6.
Confirmed birth date schedule
So far, five phases of the DWP timetable have fully completed, and the sixth phase, affecting those born between September 6, 1960, and October 5, 1960, is currently underway. Another six phases remain until the increase from 66 to 67 is complete, with the next one due to start on October 6.
The DWP has confirmed the following State Pension age increases by birth date:
- October 6, 1960 – November 5, 1960: 66 years and 7 months
- November 6, 1960 – December 5, 1960: 66 years and 8 months
- December 6, 1960 – January 5, 1961: 66 years and 9 months
- January 6, 1961 – February 5, 1961: 66 years and 10 months
- February 6, 1961 – March 5, 1961: 66 years and 11 months
- March 6, 1961 – April 5, 1977: 67 years
Future changes and review
The DWP said: "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."
The Government also changed the way the increase is phased so that people born between April 6, 1960, and March 5, 1961, will reach State Pension age at 66 years plus a specified number of months. For those born after April 5, 1969, but before April 6, 1977, under the Pensions Act 2007, State Pension age was already 67.
The State Pension age is set to rise again between 2044 and 2046 to age 68. However, an early review into the State Pension age is underway, which could potentially bring the transition to age 68 forward. Normally, this review is carried out every six years, but the DWP is currently reviewing whether the change should be accelerated, despite the previous review having been completed in 2023. While the current timetable remains on track, the third official review could alter it and potentially bring the next age change forward.
