The State Pension age will increase from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028
The State Pension age will increase from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028(Image: Getty Images )
The State Pension age in the UK is set to rise from 66 to 67 next year, with the change expected to affect all men and women by 2028. This adjustment, originally set out in legislation in 2014, is part of a broader plan that will see the State Pension age increase further to 68 between 2044 and 2046.
Under the Pensions Act 2014, the timetable for reaching 67 was brought forward by eight years, and the government also revised how the increase is phased in. Rather than applying from a specific date, individuals born between 6 March 1961 and 5 April 1977 will now become eligible for the State Pension when they turn 67.
Experts advise anyone planning their retirement to familiarise themselves with the upcoming changes. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will send letters well in advance to those affected, outlining exactly when they can claim their pension.
Looking further ahead, the Pensions Act 2007 sets out that the State Pension age for both men and women will rise again to 68 between 2044 and 2046, reports the Daily Record.
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.