The State Pension age is gradually increasing from 66 to 67 over a two-year period, and Britons have been urged to check their eligibility to avoid confusion.
The phased rise began in April and will run until March 2028. People born between April 6, 1960, and March 5, 1961, will see their State Pension age pushed beyond 66, with the exact age depending on their date of birth. This could mean waiting several extra months before claiming the benefit.
DWP urges people to check their State Pension age
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has encouraged those nearing retirement to use the free State Pension age calculator on GOV.UK to find their exact entitlement. A spokesperson said: "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 DWP also reminded recipients that the State Pension is not paid automatically and must be claimed. The Pension Service usually contacts people around four months before they become eligible.
State Pension increases under triple lock
Under the triple lock guarantee, the State Pension rose by 4.8% in April, in line with wages. The full new State Pension increased from £230.25 to £241.30 per week, while the full basic State Pension rose from £176.45 to £184.90.
Zoe Alexander, executive director of policy and advocacy at Pensions UK, said: "The state pension age is rising for three reasons: improved life expectancy, to support the sustainability of the public finances and improving intergenerational fairness."
She added: "Because the change happens in monthly steps, a single day's difference in your birthday can shift your state pension age by weeks or months. You can check when you can claim your pension via gov.uk."
Alexander advised people to plan ahead if the change creates a gap between when they intend to stop working and when the State Pension begins, saying: "A few simple checks today can make a real difference to your income and peace of mind later."
