Millions of people approaching retirement are being affected by a change to the UK state pension age. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has begun increasing the age at which people can first claim the state pension from 66 to 67, meaning some will need to wait longer than expected before payments begin.
The change is already underway and is being introduced gradually based on date of birth. For those close to retirement, checking birth year and month is now essential to understand when state pension payments will start.
Change
The state pension age for both men and women was previously set at 66. From 6 April 2026, the DWP began increasing it in stages to reach 67.
The rise does not happen all at once. Instead, the pension age increases by one month at a time, depending on when a person was born. The first group affected were people born between 6 April 1960 and 5 May 1960, whose state pension age is now 66 years and one month.
Each subsequent birth group faces an additional one-month delay.
Timing
People born slightly later in 1960 and early 1961 will notice that their state pension date moves further away. For example, those born between 6 May 1960 and 5 June 1960 must wait until they are 66 years and two months old before claiming.
This phased increase means that some people will receive their pension weeks or months later than they may have originally expected. In some cases, this could affect retirement plans or short-term income assumptions.
Schedule
The increase from 66 to 67 is expected to be fully completed by April 2028. After that point, anyone reaching state pension age will need to be 67 before claiming.
Below is the current timetable showing how state pension age is changing based on date of birth.
| Date of Birth | State Pension Age |
|---|---|
| 6 Apr 1960 – 5 May 1960 | 66 years, 1 month |
| 6 May 1960 – 5 Jun 1960 | 66 years, 2 months |
| 6 Jun 1960 – 5 Jul 1960 | 66 years, 3 months |
| 6 Jul 1960 – 5 Aug 1960 | 66 years, 4 months |
| 6 Aug 1960 – 5 Sep 1960 | 66 years, 5 months |
| 6 Sep 1960 – 5 Oct 1960 | 66 years, 6 months |
| 6 Oct 1960 – 5 Nov 1960 | 66 years, 7 months |
| 6 Nov 1960 – 5 Dec 1960 | 66 years, 8 months |
| 6 Dec 1960 – 5 Jan 1961 | 66 years, 9 months |
| 6 Jan 1961 – 5 Feb 1961 | 66 years, 10 months |
| 6 Feb 1961 – 5 Mar 1961 | 66 years, 11 months |
Impact
The state pension age is the earliest point at which someone can begin receiving state pension payments. It does not affect eligibility for other benefits or workplace pensions, but it can influence overall retirement income planning.
Those affected by the change may need to bridge a short gap using savings, continued work, or other income sources until their pension begins.
Future
Beyond the current increase, there are already plans for the state pension age to rise again. Under existing proposals, it would increase from 67 to 68 between April 2044 and April 2046.
This future change would affect people born from April 1977 onwards. While there have been calls to bring this increase forward, the government has delayed a final decision.
Check
The DWP advises people to check their individual state pension age using official tools, as exact entitlement dates depend on both birth date and current legislation. Knowing the timing well in advance can help avoid surprises as retirement approaches.
FAQs
Who is affected by the state pension age rise?
People born between April 1960 and March 1961.
When does the state pension age reach 67?
The increase completes by April 2028.
Is the state pension age the same for men and women?
Yes, it applies equally to both.
Will the state pension age rise again?
Plans exist to increase it to 68 in the future.
