The long-planned increase in the State Pension age from 66 to 67 began last month, and people born in specific years are being urged to check how this affects their retirement plans. The phased rise, which runs between April 2026 and March 2028, means that individuals born in the early 1960s may not be able to retire at 66 and will instead have their State Pension age determined by their exact date of birth.
Who Is Affected by the State Pension Age Increase?
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that the State Pension age is rising from 66 to 67 over a two-year period. People born between April 6, 1960 and March 5, 1961 will see their retirement age pushed beyond 66, with the precise age depending on their birth date. For some, this could mean waiting several extra months before they can start receiving State Pension payments.
DWP stated: "Between April 2026 and March 2028, the State Pension age will gradually rise from 66 to 67, affecting those born on or after 6 April 1960." The department encourages everyone approaching retirement to verify their State Pension age to know exactly when they become eligible.
How to Check Your State Pension Age
Checking your State Pension age is quick and can be done online using the UK Government's official State Pension age calculator on GOV.UK. You simply need your date of birth. The DWP advises: "Use the free State Pension age calculator on GOV.UK to find your exact age - you just need your date of birth. You can also use the Check your State Pension forecast tool to see how much you might get and if you can increase it, for example, by filling any gaps in your record."
It is important to note that the State Pension does not start automatically. Individuals must actively claim it when they approach State Pension age. The Pension Service typically sends an invitation letter around four months before someone reaches their State Pension age, explaining how to make a claim.
State Pension Amounts and National Insurance Requirements
The full New State Pension is currently worth £241.30 per week, which amounts to £995.20 every four-week payment period. However, the exact amount a person receives depends on their National Insurance record. Most people need approximately 35 qualifying years of National Insurance Contributions (NICs) to receive the full New State Pension. Those with fewer years may receive a reduced amount, and a minimum of 10 years of NICs is required to qualify for any State Pension payments.
The increase in the State Pension age is part of long-term UK Government plans designed to reflect rising life expectancy and the growing cost of funding pensions. Further increases are already planned, with the State Pension age expected to rise again to 68 in the mid-2040s, although the exact timetable for that change is still under review.
What You Should Do Now
For now, the DWP says the priority is ensuring people approaching retirement understand when they will become eligible for the State Pension and how to claim it. You can check your State Pension age using the free online tool at GOV.UK. This will tell you when you will reach State Pension age and your Pension Credit qualifying age.
