The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed it is writing to millions of people affected by the gradual increase in the state pension age from 66 to 67. The process began this year, with the first cohort—those born between 6 April and 5 May 1960—facing an additional month before they can claim their pension.
In a publication released on 25 June, the DWP outlined its communication strategy to avoid a repeat of the controversy that followed the 2005 changes to women's state pension age. The government previously admitted maladministration between August 2005 and December 2007 delayed sending individual letters to women born in the 1950s about the rise from 60 to 66.
The DWP said it has begun sending letters from June 2025 to those with a state pension age of 67, informing them of the earliest point they can claim and directing them to the 'Check your State Pension forecast' tool. It is also running campaigns to encourage use of the 'check your pension age' online tool, which provides personalised information on pension age, Pension Credit eligibility, and free bus travel.
The department stated it regularly monitors awareness of state pension age changes through its own research and external studies, and commissions new research to maintain an up-to-date evidence base. This follows concerns raised by the WASPI campaign group, which argues that many women were inadequately informed about the earlier changes, leading to financial hardship.
At a recent Work and Pensions Committee hearing, chair Debbie Abrahams questioned the justification for the age increase based on life expectancy, noting that healthy life expectancy has fallen by two years on average. Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden acknowledged the complexity of the decision, citing affordability and regional differences in life expectancy, and said all factors would be considered in future reviews.
