The State Pension age is scheduled to begin increasing from 66 to 67 this April, with the transition expected to be finalised for all men and women throughout the UK by 2028. The proposed adjustment to the official retirement age has been enshrined in law since 2014, with a subsequent rise from 67 to 68 planned for implementation during the mid-2040s.

The Pensions Act 2014 accelerated the increase in State Pension age from 66 to 67 by eight years. The UK Government also modified how the State Pension age increase is phased, meaning that instead of reaching State Pension age on a particular date, individuals born between March 6, 1961 and April 5, 1977 will become eligible to claim the State Pension upon turning 67.

Being aware of these forthcoming changes is crucial now, particularly if you’ve already established a retirement strategy. Everyone impacted by alterations to their State Pension age will receive correspondence from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) with substantial notice.

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 mandates a periodic review of the State Pension age, occurring at minimum once every five years. The review operates on the principle that Brits should be entitled to spend a designated proportion of their adult life receiving a State Pension.

The UK Government has recently established a new Pension Commission to explore ways of enhancing pension savings, with its conclusions set to be unveiled in 2027. The commission will examine aspects such as auto-enrolment saving rates, encouraging savings among groups like the self-employed, and reassessing the State Pension age, reports the Daily Record.

State Pension Rates 2026/27

Full New State Pension

• Weekly: £241.30 (from £230.25)
• Four-weekly pay period: £965.20
• Annual amount: £12,547

Full Basic State Pension

• Weekly: £184.90 (from £176.45)
• Four-weekly pay period: £739.60
• Annual amount: £9,614

Other State Pension rates

• Category B (lower) Basic State Pension – spouse or civil Partner’s insurance: £110.75 (from £105.70)
• Category C or D – non-contributory: £110.75 (from £105.70)

The new payment rates will start on April 6. Dr Suzy Morrissey will provide insights on factors the UK Government should take into account regarding the State Pension age, whilst the Government Actuary’s Department will compile a report on the proportion of adult life spent in retirement.

The reassessment of the State Pension age will consider life expectancy along with various other factors pertinent to determining the State Pension age.

Following the review’s findings, the UK Government may opt to implement changes to the State Pension age. However, any proposed changes would need to pass through Parliament before they could be enacted into law.

Check your State Pension age online

Your State Pension age is the earliest age at which you can begin receiving your State Pension. This may differ from the age at which you can access a workplace or personal pension.

People of all ages can utilise the online tool available on GOV.UK to verify their State Pension age, an essential step in planning for 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.