The state pension age is rising from 66 to 67 in monthly steps that began on 6 May 2026. Anyone born between 6 April 1960 and 5 March 1961 reaches state pension age at 66 plus one to eleven months. Anyone born on or after 6 March 1961 has a state pension age of 67, with the change complete on 6 March 2028.
TL;DR · LAST REVIEWED 16 August 2026
- Rise from 66 to 67 legislated in the Pensions Act 2014; phased in from 6 May 2026 to 6 March 2028
- Born on or before 5 April 1960: state pension age stayed 66
- Born 6 April 1960 to 5 March 1961: state pension age is 66 plus one month for each month later you were born (66y 1m to 66y 11m)
- Born on or after 6 March 1961: state pension age is 67
KEY FACTS
- Rise from 66 to 67 legislated in the Pensions Act 2014; phased in from 6 May 2026 to 6 March 2028
- Born on or before 5 April 1960: state pension age stayed 66
- Born 6 April 1960 to 5 March 1961: state pension age is 66 plus one month for each month later you were born (66y 1m to 66y 11m)
- Born on or after 6 March 1961: state pension age is 67
- Next rise, 67 to 68, is legislated for 2044 to 2046 (born 6 April 1977 onward) and remains under review
- Pension Credit qualifying age and the free bus pass age in England move in line with state pension age
The timetable: when the rise started and when it finishes
The state pension age is rising from 66 to 67 in monthly steps that began on 6 May 2026. The change is phased in over almost two years, with the transition complete on 6 March 2028. Anyone born on or after 6 March 1961 has a state pension age of 67.
The Pensions Act 2014 set the rise from 66 to 67 to be phased in between 6 April 2026 and 5 April 2028. The first people affected, born 6 April 1960, reached state pension age at 66 years and 1 month on 6 May 2026. Each later month of birth adds a month: born 6 May 1960 means 66 years 2 months (6 July 2026), born 6 June 1960 means 66 years 3 months, and so on. Born on or after 6 March 1961 means a state pension age of 67, so the transition is complete on 6 March 2028.
Find your own date
State pension age depends on your exact date of birth, not the tax year, so two people born days apart can have different dates. The GOV.UK Check your State Pension age tool gives the exact date and also shows Pension Credit qualifying age and free bus pass age.
The state pension is not paid automatically; the DWP sends an invitation letter about two months before state pension age and the claim must be made. Deferring is allowed: the new state pension rises by about 5.8% for each full year of deferral.
What else moves with state pension age
Pension Credit qualifying age is the same as state pension age, so it also rises to 67. The free bus pass in England is issued at state pension age, and Winter Fuel Payment eligibility is linked to it.
Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and London have their own age rules for the free bus pass. Some working-age benefits, including Universal Credit and Jobseeker's Allowance, continue up to state pension age rather than stopping at 66.
The rise to 68 and the reviews
The rise from 67 to 68 is legislated for 2044 to 2046, affecting people born on or after 6 April 1977. A 2017 proposal to bring it forward to 2037 to 2039 was not enacted.
The government must review state pension age at least every six years; the third review was launched in July 2025 alongside the Pensions Commission. The Pensions Commission interim report of 19 May 2026 did not propose any change to state pension age; its final recommendations on retirement income are due in 2027. The full new state pension is 241.30 pounds a week and the full basic state pension 184.90 pounds a week for 2026/27.
Practical points for people born in 1960 and 1961
Anyone planning to stop work at 66 needs to bridge the gap of up to 11 months, or a full year for those born from 6 March 1961, from workplace or personal pensions, savings or continued earnings.
Occupational scheme normal pension ages (NHS, teachers, LGPS, civil service) do not automatically change; check the scheme's own rules. The IFS notes people who left work early through ill health are disproportionately affected by state pension age rises. A state pension forecast on GOV.UK shows the projected weekly amount and any National Insurance gaps that can still be filled.
DISCLAIMER
This article is general information drawn from primary sources named below and is not financial, legal or benefits advice. Figures and dates were correct on the last-reviewed date and can change; check GOV.UK or the relevant regulator before acting.
Frequently asked questions
I was born in September 1960. When is my state pension age?
66 years and 6 months. Born 6 September 1960 to 5 October 1960 means state pension age falls in March or April 2027. Use the GOV.UK checker for the exact date.
I was born in 1962. What is my state pension age?
67. Anyone born on or after 6 March 1961 has a state pension age of 67, and the rise to 68 does not begin until people born from 6 April 1977.
Does Pension Credit age also rise?
Yes. Pension Credit qualifying age is the same as state pension age, so it rises to 67 on the same timetable.
Is state pension age going to 68 sooner?
Under current law the rise to 68 is between 2044 and 2046. It is subject to periodic review; the third review was launched in July 2025 and no change has been legislated.
Do I get the state pension automatically at state pension age?
No. You must claim it. The DWP writes about two months beforehand and claims can be made online, by phone or by post.
SOURCES
- GOV.UK: Check your State Pension age – accessed 2026-08-16
- legislation.gov.uk: Pensions Act 2014, Schedule 1 – accessed 2026-08-16
- GOV.UK: The new State Pension – accessed 2026-08-16
- GOV.UK: State Pension age review – accessed 2026-08-16
- IFS: triple lock and state pension age commentary – accessed 2026-08-16
