The UK government has officially confirmed the State Pension age will rise gradually from 66 to 67 between April 2026 and April 2028, followed by another increase to 68 between 2044 and 2046. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reaffirmed the timeline during its 2025 review, ending months of speculation about earlier hikes and providing clarity for millions approaching retirement.
This decision ensures the timetable legislated under the Pensions Act 2007 and Pensions Act 2014 remains intact, reflecting a careful balance between increasing life expectancy, long-term pension affordability, and intergenerational fairness.
Government Confirms the Timetable Remains Unchanged
Despite prior recommendations from government reviews suggesting faster increases—most notably the Cridland Review (2017) and Baroness Neville-Rolfe Review (2023), which proposed bringing the age 68 milestone forward to 2037–2039—the government has opted to maintain the existing schedule.
This means there will be no accelerated rise to 68 in the 2030s, a relief for workers born in the early 1970s who were preparing for an earlier retirement delay. The government’s latest review, published in July 2025, and supported by actuarial analysis from the Government Actuary’s Department (GAD), confirmed that the current pace aligns with the country’s economic outlook and population trends.
State Pension Age Changes at a Glance
| Birth Date Range | State Pension Age | When You’ll Reach It |
|---|---|---|
| 6 Apr 1960 – 5 Mar 1961 | 66 years 1–11 months | Between May 2026 – Mar 2028 |
| 6 Mar 1961 – 5 Apr 1977 | 67 years | Reached on 67th birthday |
| 6 Apr 1977 – 5 Mar 1978 | 67 years 1–11 months | Between May 2044 – Mar 2046 |
| 6 Apr 1978 onwards | 68 years | Reached on 68th birthday |
This phased rise affects over 11 million people born in the early 1960s, extending their working lives by up to one year compared with past generations.
Why the Pension Age Is Increasing
The pension age review explains that raising the threshold is essential to maintain the system’s sustainability. Britons are living longer and healthier lives: a man aged 66 in 2025 can expect to live another 19.2 years, and a woman about 21.8 years on average. By 2050, those figures are projected to rise to 21 and 23.4 years respectively.
Without adjustments, state pension spending—which already accounts for nearly 5 percent of GDP (£146 billion in 2025–26)—could climb to 7.7 percent by the 2070s. The gradual increases help control these costs while ensuring fairness: retirees today enjoy nearly 25 years of payments, compared to 20 projected for those now in their early 60s.
Pension Rates Remain Protected Under the Triple Lock
Alongside the age reforms, the government confirmed that the Triple Lock—guaranteeing annual pension increases by the highest of average earnings, inflation, or 2.5%—will continue.
For April 2026, the State Pension will rise by 4.8%, matching earnings growth. This uplift brings the full New State Pension to £231.85 per week, or £12,548 per year, and the Basic State Pension (for pre-2016 retirees) to £177.66 per week. Pension Credit thresholds will also increase accordingly, guaranteeing a minimum income of £11,887 per year for single pensioners.
These changes preserve the real value of pensions despite ongoing inflationary pressures and ensure income security for retirees.
Eligibility and Claim Process
Eligibility for the State Pension depends on National Insurance (NI) contributions:
- A minimum of 10 qualifying years is required to receive any payment.
- 35 qualifying years are needed to receive the full New State Pension.
- Credits from periods of unemployment, caring, or childcare may count toward totals.
Individuals approaching pension age receive a DWP letter about four months before eligibility, inviting them to claim online via GOV.UK. Workers can continue earning beyond pension age, as there is no upper age limit or default retirement rule under current employment law.
Deferral and Benefit Boost Options
Pensioners who defer their claim can increase their weekly payments. Deferral adds roughly 1% for every nine weeks delayed—equivalent to a 5.8% annual uplift. This option benefits healthy retirees who wish to remain employed past state pension age, with over 1.3 million people aged over 66 already continuing to work.
Additionally, voluntary Class 3 NI contributions are available for those wishing to fill gaps in their record. DWP encourages workers nearing retirement to review their “Check your State Pension” forecast via GOV.UK and consider topping up to maximize future entitlements.
Future Rise to 68 Between 2044–2046
The next increase, from 67 to 68, remains legislated but will not commence until at least 2044. This affects people born after 6 April 1977. The DWP’s 2025 review confirmed that further acceleration is currently unwarranted, though periodic reviews—mandated under the Pensions Act 2014—will continue every five years.
Key factors determining future adjustments include:
- Life expectancy forecasts and health trends.
- Public finances and GDP sustainability.
- Regional health disparities across the UK.
Current projections show men’s healthy life expectancy at age 65 averaging 10.1 years, lower in Scotland and the North East, underscoring regional inequalities that policymakers must address before accelerating any further age rise.
Impact on Workers and Retirement Planning
By 2028, everyone born after April 1961 will see their pension age rise to 67, effectively extending their working life by 12 months. Those born in the late 1970s face waiting until 68, meaning retirement may now occur well into the early 2040s.
To prepare, workers are encouraged to:
- Review private pensions regularly to estimate supplementary income.
- Continue building workplace pension savings under automatic enrolment (up to age 75).
- Seek free guidance from trusted sources like MoneyHelper and Pension Wise.
- Budget for longer working years or phased retirement to bridge the transition.
The removal of the default retirement age in 2011 and expansion of flexible drawdown options now allow people to remain active in the workforce while gradually accessing pension funds.
The Bottom Line
The UK government’s 2025 announcement officially ends speculation about retiring earlier than 67. The State Pension age will rise on schedule—to 67 by April 2028 and 68 by 2046—with no fast-tracked changes planned for the next decade.
The triple lock guarantee remains in place, protecting retirees’ income in real terms while ensuring the system remains financially sustainable. For workers in their 50s and early 60s today, the message is clear: build National Insurance records, grow savings, and plan early to secure a resilient and comfortable retirement under the next phase of Britain’s evolving pension landscape.