The UK Government has officially confirmed that the State Pension age will increase from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028. This change will directly affect millions of people born after April 1960, who will now need to wait longer before they can claim their retirement benefits.
The decision is part of the Government’s plan to keep the pension system fair, sustainable, and ready for future generations.
Why Is the State Pension Age Changing?
The Government made this decision after reviewing independent reports on life expectancy, population growth, and economic fairness. Here are the key reasons:
- Longer Life Expectancy: People are living longer, which means more years of pension payments.
- Fairness Across Generations: Ensures the system stays strong for today’s workers and younger generations.
- Legal Requirement: Under the Pensions Act 2014, the Government must review the State Pension age regularly.
Timeline of the State Pension Age Changes
The rise will not happen all at once but gradually over two years. Here is the full breakdown:
| Date of Birth | New State Pension Age | Implementation Period |
|---|---|---|
| Before April 1960 | 66 | Already in place |
| After April 1960 (phased group) | Increasing gradually | 2026–2028 |
| By end of 2028 | 67 | Fully implemented |
By 2028, everyone born after April 1960 will have a State Pension age of 67.
Will the Pension Age Rise Further to 68?
Right now, the Government has not confirmed a rise to 68. However:
- A new review will take place within two years of the next Parliament.
- It will look at life expectancy data from the 2021 Census, Covid-19 effects, inflation, and labour market changes.
- Any increase beyond 67 will come with at least 10 years’ notice so people can plan ahead.
What the Government Said
Mel Stride, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, explained:
“It’s essential the State Pension remains sustainable and fair across the generations. Our balanced approach will help achieve this and ensure we continue to provide security and dignity in retirement for millions of people across the country.”
This statement highlights the Government’s goal of keeping pensions both affordable and reliable for all future retirees.
Impact on Workers and Retirees
- Workers born before April 1960: No changes; they can still claim at 66.
- Workers born after April 1960: Must wait until 67 to claim.
- Future generations: May face a rise to 68 depending on upcoming reviews.
This means that millions of UK citizens now need to adjust their retirement planning to meet the new pension timeline.
Evidence Behind the Decision
Two independent reports shaped the outcome:
- Government Actuary Report – Looked at how long people are expected to live and how many years they would receive pensions.
- Baroness Neville-Rolfe Report – Examined demographics, economy, and how different age groups are affected.
These studies ensure that the policy change is based on facts and not politics.
Points to Remember
- State Pension age will rise to 67 between 2026–2028.
- People born after April 1960 are affected.
- No decision on age 68 yet – review coming after next Parliament.
- At least 10 years’ notice will be given for any future increase.
The rise of the UK State Pension age to 67 between 2026 and 2028 is a major change that affects millions of people born after April 1960. It is designed to ensure the pension system remains sustainable, fair, and prepared for future generations as people live longer.
While the Government has not yet confirmed a rise to 68, future reviews may bring more changes. For now, everyone affected should start planning ahead, reviewing their savings, work options, and retirement plans to stay secure in later life.
FAQs
When will the State Pension age rise to 67?
It will rise gradually between 2026 and 2028, depending on your exact date of birth. By the end of 2028, everyone born after April 1960 will have a State Pension age of 67.
Will the State Pension age increase further to 68?
Not at the moment. The Government will review this within two years of the next Parliament, and any changes will include 10 years’ notice.
Why is the change happening?
The change is due to longer life expectancy, the need for fairness across generations, and to keep the pension system financially strong.