The UK’s Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an important reminder to millions of people born between April 6, 1960, and April 5, 1977. A scheduled change in the State Pension age will affect when they can officially retire and begin claiming their pension.
This shift, which begins in April 2026, will gradually raise the current State Pension age from 66 to 67. This means individuals within the specified birth range may need to wait longer to access their retirement benefits than originally expected.
What’s Changing in the State Pension Age?
Currently, the State Pension age in the UK is 66 for both men and women. However, under the Pensions Act 2014, the government planned a staged increase to 67. This is part of a broader move to align pension policy with rising life expectancy.
From April 6, 2026, through March 5, 2028, the pension age will rise incrementally, affecting those born in the 1960s and early 70s.
According to the government:
- If you were born between April 6, 1960 and May 5, 1960, your pension age will rise to 66 years and 1 month.
- If you were born between May 6, 1960 and June 5, 1960, your pension age will be 66 years and 2 months, and so on.
- The increase will continue until it reaches 67 years for everyone born on or after April 6, 1961.
To check your personal State Pension age, you can use the official government calculator here:
Who Will Be Affected?
The most affected group includes those born between April 6, 1960, and April 5, 1977. If you’re in this bracket, your retirement timeline could shift, and it’s important to plan accordingly especially if you’re making decisions about work, savings, or early retirement.
The government’s review suggests that the change is necessary to maintain the sustainability of the State Pension system due to increasing longevity and an ageing population.
Key Details:
- Change start date: April 6, 2026
- Change end date: March 5, 2028
- New State Pension age: 67
- Age 68 proposal: Still under review, originally proposed between 2044 and 2046
Why Is the State Pension Age Increasing?
This policy reflects a need to balance public spending with demographic shifts. People in the UK are living longer and drawing pensions for more years. To manage these costs, raising the pension age is considered a viable solution.
A 2023 government review suggested the next rise to age 68 could be pushed further into the future, likely between 2044 and 2046, affecting people born after April 1977. However, this date is still subject to further review.
For now, the only confirmed change is the increase to age 67 by 2028.
DWP’s Message: Check Your Retirement Age Now
The DWP is urging people to take action now by checking their exact State Pension age. Doing so helps with financial planning, especially if you’re aiming for early retirement or partial retirement before the official pension age.
The easiest way to check your pension age and get an estimate of how much you’ll receive is by visiting the State Pension forecast tool.
You can also apply for a more detailed forecast using your National Insurance number through your Government Gateway account.
What You Can Do to Prepare
If you’re in the affected group, consider these steps:
- Use the online calculator to confirm your retirement date
- Increase your workplace or private pension contributions to account for the delay
- Seek advice from financial advisors or pension planners
- Stay updated with DWP announcements, especially if you are born after April 1977, as further changes may come
Final Thoughts
This change in pension age might feel like a setback to some, especially those nearing their 60s, but it’s a reality that the government believes is necessary. It’s better to be informed now and adjust your retirement plans rather than be caught off guard later.
With tools like the State Pension Age calculator and forecast checker, you can take control of your future and make smart retirement decisions.
