The UK State Pension age is changing. It’s currently rising from 66 to 67, and a further increase to 68 is legislated but the timing is under review. Here’s the full timeline and what it means for your retirement planning.
Read more: See our State Pension guide for a complete overview of this topic.
Current State Pension Age
As of 2026, the State Pension age is in transition:
| Date of birth | State Pension age | When you can claim |
|---|---|---|
| Before 6 March 1961 | 66 | Already reached or reaching soon |
| 6 March 1961 – 5 April 1977 | 66 to 67 (transitional) | May 2026 – March 2028 |
| 6 April 1977 onwards | 67 | From 2044 at earliest |
The Rise to 67: Detailed Timeline
The increase from 66 to 67 is happening gradually between 2026 and 2028:
| Date of birth | State Pension age | Exact date you can claim |
|---|---|---|
| 6 Mar 1961 – 5 Apr 1961 | 66 years, 1 month | May 2027 – May 2027 |
| 6 Apr 1961 – 5 May 1961 | 66 years, 2 months | Jun 2027 – Jul 2027 |
| 6 May 1961 – 5 Jun 1961 | 66 years, 3 months | Aug 2027 – Sep 2027 |
| 6 Jun 1961 – 5 Jul 1961 | 66 years, 4 months | Oct 2027 – Nov 2027 |
| 6 Jul 1961 – 5 Aug 1961 | 66 years, 5 months | Dec 2027 – Jan 2028 |
| 6 Aug 1961 – 5 Sep 1961 | 66 years, 6 months | Feb 2028 – Mar 2028 |
| 6 Sep 1961 – 5 Oct 1961 | 66 years, 7 months | Apr 2028 – May 2028 |
| 6 Oct 1961 – 5 Nov 1961 | 66 years, 8 months | Jun 2028 – Jul 2028 |
| 6 Nov 1961 – 5 Dec 1961 | 66 years, 9 months | Aug 2028 – Sep 2028 |
| 6 Dec 1961 – 5 Jan 1962 | 66 years, 10 months | Oct 2028 – Nov 2028 |
| 6 Jan 1962 – 5 Feb 1962 | 66 years, 11 months | Dec 2028 – Jan 2029 |
| 6 Feb 1962 – 5 Apr 1962 | 67 | Feb 2029 – Apr 2029 |
Anyone born on or after 6 April 1962 has a State Pension age of 67.
The Rise to 68: What We Know
The increase from 67 to 68 is legislated under the Pensions Act 2014, but the timing has been subject to multiple reviews:
| Proposals | Timeline for rise to 68 |
|---|---|
| Original legislation (2014) | 2044–2046 |
| Cridland Review (2017) | 2037–2039 |
| 2023 government decision | Maintained 2044–2046 (for now) |
| Next review | Expected by 2028 |
What If the Rise to 68 Is Brought Forward?
If the Cridland Review timetable were adopted:
| Date of birth | SP age under current law | SP age if accelerated |
|---|---|---|
| 6 Apr 1969 – 5 Apr 1977 | 67 | 67 to 68 (by 2037-2039) |
| 6 Apr 1977 – 5 Apr 1978 | 67 to 68 (by 2044-2046) | 68 |
| After 5 Apr 1978 | 68 | 68 |
The government typically gives at least 10 years’ notice before implementing changes.
Historical State Pension Age Changes
Understanding the history helps predict future changes:
| Period | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Before 2010 | 65 | 60 |
| 2010–2018 | 65 | Gradually increasing to 65 |
| Nov 2018 – Oct 2020 | 65 to 66 | 65 to 66 |
| Oct 2020 – present | 66 | 66 |
| 2026–2028 | Rising to 67 | Rising to 67 |
The acceleration of women’s State Pension age from 60 to 66 was controversial and led to the WASPI campaign. Many women born in the 1950s had little notice of the change.
How State Pension Age Reviews Work
The government is legally required to review the State Pension age at least every 6 years. Reviews consider:
| Factor | Impact on decision |
|---|---|
| Life expectancy trends | Higher life expectancy → higher SP age |
| Healthy life expectancy | If people aren’t healthy enough to work longer, SP age may not rise |
| Regional differences | Life expectancy varies significantly across UK |
| Affordability | State pension cost as % of GDP |
| Fairness | Impact on different socioeconomic groups |
| International comparisons | What other countries are doing |
Planning Around Uncertainty
If you’re in your 40s or 50s, your State Pension age could still change. Here’s how to plan:
| Your age now | Best approach |
|---|---|
| 55+ | State Pension age is confirmed at 66-67. Plan with certainty |
| 45-55 | Very likely 67. Plan for 67, prepare for possible 68 |
| 35-45 | Probably 67-68. Plan for 68 as your base case |
| Under 35 | Could be 68-69. Don’t rely on state pension timing |
What This Means for Retirement Savings
If State Pension age rises to 68, you need to either:
- Work an extra year to bridge the gap
- Save an extra £12,000–14,000 in your pension or ISA to cover one year of living costs
- Access workplace pension earlier — most allow access from 55 (rising to 57 from 2028)
How to Check Your State Pension Age
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| GOV.UK calculator | gov.uk/state-pension-age — enter your date of birth |
| State pension forecast | gov.uk/check-state-pension — includes your SP age |
| Phone | Future Pension Centre: 0800 731 0175 |