The State Pension age will increase from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028.

14:28, 19 Nov 2025Updated 17:43, 19 Nov 2025

The State Pension age is set to start rising from 66 to 67 next year, with the increase due to be completed for all men and women across the UK by 2028. The planned change to the official age of retirement has been in legislation since 2014 with a further rise from 67 to 68 set to be implemented between 2044 and 2046.

The Pensions Act 2014 brought the increase in the State Pension age from 66 to 67 forward by eight years. The UK Government also changed the way in which the increase in State Pension age is phased so rather than reaching State Pension age on a specific date, people born between March 6, 1961 and April 5, 1977 will be able to claim the State Pension once they reach 67.

It’s important to be aware of these upcoming changes now, especially if you have a retirement plan in place. Everyone affected by changes to their State Pension age will receive a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) well in advance.

READ MORE: UK Government warned State Pension age changes will disadvantage people in ScotlandREAD MORE: Pensioners urged to check if they will pay tax in retirement next year

Under the Pensions Act 2007 the State Pension age for men and women will increase from 67 to 68 between 2044 and 2046.

The Pensions Act 2014 provides for a regular review of the State Pension age, at least once every five years. The review will be based around the idea people should be able to spend a certain proportion of their adult life drawing a State Pension.

The UK Government recently announced a new Pension Commission to investigate how to boost pension saving with its findings due to be published in 2027. Areas for consideration will include auto-enrolment saving rates, boosting saving among groups such as the self-employed and a review of the State Pension age.

Dr Suzy Morrissey will report on factors the UK Government should consider relating to State Pension age and the Government Actuary’s Department will prepare a report on the proportion of adult life in retirement.

The review of the State Pension age will take into account life expectancy along with a range of other factors relevant to setting the State Pension age.

After the review has reported, the UK Government may then choose to bring forward changes to the State Pension age. However, any proposals would have to go through Parliament before becoming law.

Check your State Pension age online

Your State Pension age is the earliest age you can start receiving your State Pension. It may be different to the age you can get a workplace or personal pension.

Anyone of any age can use the online tool at GOV.UK to check their State Pension age, which can be an essential part of planning your retirement.

You can use the State Pension age tool to check:

  • When you will reach State Pension age
  • Your Pension Credit qualifying age
  • When you will be eligible for free bus travel – this is at age 60 in Scotland

Check your State Pension age online here.

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