Millions of people across the UK are set to see changes to when they can claim their State Pensionas the official age rises from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028.
Who is affected by these new changes to the State Pension?
People born on April 6, 1960 will reach State Pension age of 66 on May 6, 2026.
Those born on March 5, 1961 will reach State Pension age of 67 on February 5, 2028.
The increase will be phased in for everyone born between those dates, with the new age applying to both men and women across the UK.
This change has been in the pipeline since 2014, and a further rise to 68 is already scheduled for between 2044 and 2046, though that could be reviewed and brought forward depending on future government decisions and reviews of life expectancy.
Why is the State Pension age changing?
The government regularly reviews the State Pension age to reflect changes in life expectancy and to ensure the system remains affordable and sustainable. The idea is that people should be able to spend a certain proportion of their adult life drawing a State Pension, but as people live longer, the age at which you can claim is gradually increasing.
How much will you get?
From April 2025, the full new State Pension is £230.25 per week (about £11,973 per year)while the full basic State Pension is £176.45 per week (about £9,175 per year). The government has pledged to maintain the “triple lock” for the State Pension, which means payments will continue to rise in line with the highest of earnings growth, inflation, or 2.5% annually. Projected increases for the next few years range from 2.5% to 4.1%.
How to check your State Pension age and entitlement
You can use the government’s online State Pension age tool to find out exactly when you’ll qualify, your Pension Credit age, and when you’ll be eligible for free bus travel (at age 60 in Scotland).
Everyone affected by the change will get a letter from the DWP well in advance of their new State Pension age.
To receive any State Pensionyou need at least 10 qualifying years of National Insurance (NI) contributionsand at least 35 years for the full amount. If you have gaps, you may be able to “plug” them by making voluntary NI contributions, but it’s important to check whether this is necessary before paying extra.
The Personal Allowance for income tax will remain at £12,570 for 2025/26. If your only income is the State Pension, you won’t pay tax. But if you have other sources of income, you may need to pay tax on the total amount, with any tax bill for the 2025/26 uplift arriving in July 2026.
