The state pension age is increasing again next month, affecting those born between August 6 and September 5, 1960, who will now reach state pension age at 66 years and 5 months. This is part of a gradual rise from 66 to 67, which began with those born between April 6 and May 5, 1960.
How the Staggered Increase Works
The state pension age was previously 66, but a phased increase means that people no longer reach pension age on their birthday. Instead, eligibility is delayed by a set number of months depending on birth date. The first cohort affected were those born between April 6 and May 5, 1960, who became eligible at 66 years and one month.
For those born between August 6, 1960 and September 5, 1960, the delay is five months. A person born on August 6, 1960, will turn 66 on that date in 2026 but must wait until January 6, 2027 to claim their state pension.
Full List of Affected Birthdates and Pension Ages
- August 6, 1960 - September 5, 1960: 66 years and 5 months
- September 6, 1960 - October 5, 1960: 66 years and 6 months
- 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
Concerns Over Lack of Warning and Pension Poverty
Campaign groups such as Waspi have argued that Brits approaching retirement have not been given sufficient warning about the changes. Experts have also warned of pension poverty, noting that some workers may not have had enough time to adjust their pension plans to account for the delays in payment.
The gradual increase will continue until the state pension age finally settles at 67 for those born after March 6, 1961.
