The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that the State Pension age is now rising from 66 to 67, with the change already under way and continuing through to 2028. While the increase applies broadly, its impact depends heavily on an individual’s exact date of birth, with some people required to wait several additional months before becoming eligible.
The change reflects long-standing government policy linked to life expectancy and the sustainability of the pension system. However, it has also renewed concerns about income gaps for people approaching retirement, particularly those who leave work early due to health issues or caring responsibilities.
Change
The current State Pension age of 66 is being increased gradually to 67 over a two-year period starting from April 2026. Rather than shifting on a single date, the increase is phased in month by month.
Those first affected are people born between 6 April and 5 May 1960, who will reach State Pension age at 66 years and one month. For subsequent birth months, the waiting period increases incrementally until the full age of 67 applies.
The DWP has been actively encouraging people born between 1960 and 1961 to check their individual State Pension age, as it may be higher than expected based on previous rules.
Birthdates
Below is the confirmed schedule showing how the changes apply based on date of birth.
| Date of Birth | State Pension Age |
|---|---|
| 6 April 1960 – 5 May 1960 | 66 years, 1 month |
| 6 May 1960 – 5 June 1960 | 66 years, 2 months |
| 6 June 1960 – 5 July 1960 | 66 years, 3 months |
| 6 July 1960 – 5 August 1960 | 66 years, 4 months |
| 6 August 1960 – 5 September 1960 | 66 years, 5 months |
| 6 September 1960 – 5 October 1960 | 66 years, 6 months |
| 6 October 1960 – 5 November 1960 | 66 years, 7 months |
| 6 November 1960 – 5 December 1960 | 66 years, 8 months |
| 6 December 1960 – 5 January 1961 | 66 years, 9 months |
| 6 January 1961 – 5 February 1961 | 66 years, 10 months |
| 6 February 1961 – 5 March 1961 | 66 years, 11 months |
| 6 March 1961 – 5 April 1977 | 67 |
Anyone born on or after 6 March 1961 will not qualify for the State Pension until their 67th birthday.
Context
The increase was introduced to reflect rising life expectancy and the expectation that many people will remain in work for longer. However, life expectancy trends have become less predictable since the pandemic, prompting renewed debate about whether future increases remain appropriate.
A cross-party group of MPs has launched an inquiry into the financial pressures facing people approaching State Pension age. The Work and Pensions Committee has highlighted that people aged 60 to 64 are among the most financially vulnerable within the working-age population, particularly those who leave employment early due to ill health or caring duties.
During the 2023-24 financial year, 22 percent of people in this age group, around 876,000 individuals, were living in poverty.
Impact
Previous increases in the State Pension age have had measurable effects. When the age rose from 65 to 66, around 100,000 additional 65-year-olds fell into absolute income poverty, according to official data.
Research has also linked earlier increases to reduced life satisfaction and greater reliance on private pension savings to bridge income gaps. At the same time, employment rates among affected age groups rose by around 10 percentage points, largely because people stayed in work longer.
Debate
Earlier changes to the State Pension age, particularly those affecting women born in the 1950s, led to widespread criticism and the formation of the WASPI campaign, which argued that insufficient notice was given.
Concerns are now being raised again as the age moves to 67. Debbie Abrahams, Chair of the Work and Pensions Committee, has said that people approaching retirement risk “falling between the cracks” without a coordinated government strategy to address later-life employment, health, and income support.
Future
An increase in the State Pension age to 68 is already written into law for the period between 2044 and 2046, though this timetable is subject to review. Any future changes will be assessed against updated data on life expectancy and economic conditions.
The DWP has stated that people below State Pension age can access support such as Universal Credit and other means-tested or disability-related benefits if needed.
For those nearing retirement, understanding the precise timing of State Pension eligibility is increasingly important, particularly for anyone with existing retirement plans based on earlier assumptions.
FAQs
When does the State Pension age rise to 67?
The increase began in April 2026 and phases in over two years.
Who is first affected by the change?
People born between 6 April and 5 May 1960.
Will everyone reach pension age at 67?
Yes, those born after 6 March 1961.
Why is the pension age increasing?
Mainly due to life expectancy and funding pressures.
