What is the current State Pension age?

The current State Pension age is 66 for both men and women (since October 2020). It is due to rise to 67 between May 2026 and March 2028, and then to 68 at a date yet to be confirmed (the government has deferred the decision on the increase to 68, which was originally planned for 2044–2046). If you were born before 6 October 1954, you've already reached State Pension age.

When does the State Pension age rise to 67?

The State Pension age is increasing from 66 to 67 for people born between 6 March 1961 and 5 April 1977. The increase is being phased in between 6 May 2026 and 6 March 2028. If you were born on or after 6 April 1960, you'll need to be at least 67 to claim your State Pension. The exact date depends on your date of birth — use the government's State Pension age calculator for your specific date.

When will the State Pension age rise to 68?

The increase to 68 was originally planned for 2044–2046 (affecting those born after 5 April 1977), but the government has deferred the decision following an independent review. It may happen sooner or later than originally planned — or the timetable may change. A further government review is expected to confirm the timeline. For planning purposes, assume it could happen between the mid-2040s and 2050s.

Can I get my State Pension early?

No — you cannot claim your State Pension before you reach State Pension age. However, you can defer your pension (claim later) to get a higher weekly amount. For each 9 weeks you defer, your weekly State Pension increases by 1%. This works out to approximately 5.8% per year. You can check your State Pension forecast and age at gov.uk/check-state-pension.

State Pension Age by Birth Year — Quick Reference Table | PocketWise

Your State Pension age depends on when you were born. Use the tables below to find yours.

State Pension Age: Quick Reference

Already Reached State Pension Age

Date of birth	State Pension age	Already reached?
Before 6 October 1954 (men)	65	Yes
Before 6 July 1951 (women born before 6/4/1950)	60	Yes
6 April 1950 – 5 April 1953 (women)	60–64 (phased increase)	Yes
6 April 1953 – 5 December 1953	63–65 (phased increase)	Yes
6 December 1953 – 5 October 1954	65–66 (phased increase)	Yes

State Pension Age: 66

Date of birth	State Pension age
6 October 1954 – 5 March 1961	66

State Pension Age: 66 to 67 (Transition Period — 2026 to 2028)

Date of birth	State Pension age	Approximate date you’ll reach SPA
6 March 1961	66 years, 1 month	May 2027
6 April 1961	66 years, 2 months	June 2027
6 May 1961	66 years, 3 months	August 2027
6 June 1961	66 years, 4 months	October 2027
6 July 1961	66 years, 5 months	December 2027
6 August 1961	66 years, 6 months	February 2028
6 September 1961	66 years, 7 months	April 2028
6 October 1961	66 years, 8 months	June 2028
6 November 1961	66 years, 9 months	August 2028
6 December 1961	66 years, 10 months	October 2028
6 January 1962	66 years, 11 months	December 2028
6 February 1962	67 years	February 2029
6 March 1962 onwards	67	67th birthday

State Pension Age: 67

Date of birth	State Pension age
6 March 1962 – 5 April 1977	67

State Pension Age: 67 to 68 (Future — Dates TBC)

Date of birth	State Pension age	Status
6 April 1977 onwards	67 to 68	Government review pending — no confirmed timetable

Note: The increase from 67 to 68 was originally planned for 2044–2046 but has been deferred. A future government review will confirm the dates.

How to Check Your Exact State Pension Age

Method	Detail
Online calculator	gov.uk/state-pension-age — enter your date of birth
State Pension forecast	gov.uk/check-state-pension — see your forecast amount and date
Call DWP	0800 731 0175 (State Pension claim line)

Key Dates Summary

Change	Date range
Women’s SPA equalised at 65	November 2018
SPA increased from 65 to 66	December 2018 – October 2020
SPA increasing from 66 to 67	May 2026 – March 2028
SPA increasing from 67 to 68	TBC (originally 2044–2046, now under review)

What If You Can’t Work Until State Pension Age?

Situation	Options
Unemployed	Jobseeker’s Allowance or Universal Credit
Too ill to work	ESA or PIP
Caring for someone	Carer’s Allowance
Low income	Pension Credit (from State Pension age)
Private/workplace pension	May be accessible from age 55 (rising to 57 from 2028)

Deferring Your State Pension

Feature	Detail
Can you defer?	Yes — you don’t have to claim at State Pension age
Increase rate	1% for every 9 weeks you defer (~5.8% per year)
Example	Defer for 1 year: £230.25/week × 5.8% = £13.35/week extra for life
Backdated lump sum	You can claim up to 12 months backdated (at the rate you would have received)
Tax	The extra pension is taxable as income
Worth it?	Generally yes if you have other income and are in good health