The State Pension age is set to rise from 66 to 67 in the coming years – and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has urged people to check what the change means for them
Brits born between two specific dates need to review their pension age due to upcoming changes. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging individuals with particular birthdates to verify their State Pension timing using their online checker.
With plans set to incrementally raise the State Pension age from 66 to 67 beginning next year, it’s important that everyone takes note of this imminent shift. By 2028, the transition is expected to be implemented nationwide.
Since 2014, there have been regulatory reforms to adjust the State Pension age, as reported by the Daily Record. Official plans are to increase it further from 67 to 68 between 2044 and 2046.
An announcement on social media platform X from the DWP said: “Born between 6 April 1960 and 5 March 1961? Check today to find out what your State Pension age will be.”
People born on 6 April 1960 can expect to hit the current State Pension age of 66 on 6 May 2026, while those born on 5 March 1961 will see the new State Pension age of 67 on 5 February 2028. Verifying your exact State Pension age through the online service is simple and essential for retirement planning.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) says it is dedicated to ensuring that anyone affected by these pension age changes will be informed well in advance of the modifications taking place. Furthermore, the Pensions Act 2014 requires that the State Pension age be regularly reviewed at least once every five years.
These assessments are grounded on the idea that individuals should expect to spend a certain proportion of their adult life receiving State Pension benefits, officials say. A review of the proposed increase to 68 is due before the end of this decade, initially scheduled by the previous Conservative government to occur two years after the General Election – which would have been 2026.
The State Pension age review will consider life expectancy along with various other factors relevant to determining the State Pension age. Upon the report’s completion, the UK Government may choose to make changes to the State Pension age.
However, any proposals would need to secure approval from 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 differ from the age you can get a workplace or personal pension.
The online tool at GOV.UK allows anyone of any age to check their State Pension age, which can be a vital 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.
State Pension payments 2025/26
Full New State Pension
- Weekly payment: £230.25
- Four-weekly payment: £921
- Annual amount: £11,973
Full Basic State Pension
- Weekly payment: £176.45
- Four-weekly payment: £705.80
- Annual amount: £9,175