State pension age 67: exact dates by birthday and what changes

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.

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.

August 2026 update: where the move to 68 stands

August 2026 update: where the move to 68 stands

The full new State Pension is £241.30 a week in 2026/27 after a 4.8% triple lock rise. The State Pension age is moving from 66 to 67, phased for those born on or after 6 April 1960. Treasury officials have flagged to the OBR that bringing the rise to 68 forward is under consideration, affecting people born after 6 April 1977; no decision has been made.

The State Pension age is rising from 66 to 67, with the change phased in for those born on or after 6 April 1960. The increase completes by 2028, meaning anyone reaching that birthday during the phase-in period will see their pension age set between 66 and 67, depending on their exact date of birth.

The legislated rise to 68 currently applies in 2044 to 2046. Under existing law, this later increase is scheduled to affect people born between 6 April 1977 and 5 April 1979, with the exact pension age depending on the precise birth date.

Treasury officials have told the Office for Budget Responsibility that bringing the age-68 rise forward is being considered. This would mean the increase could take effect earlier than the current 2044 to 2046 window, potentially affecting a larger group of people born after 6 April 1977.

No final decision has been made. Roughly 5 million people born after 6 April 1977 could be affected if the move is brought forward, although the final outcome depends on any future government announcement and subsequent legislation.

The table below sets out the current legislated timetable for the State Pension age changes.

Anyone approaching State Pension age should check their own position, as the exact age depends on the day and month of birth. The official GOV.UK State Pension age calculator provides a personal result based on date of birth.

The triple lock guarantee continues to apply to the new State Pension, with the 2026/27 rate set at £241.30 per week, equivalent to £12,547.60 a year. This follows a 4.8% increase under the policy, which raises the pension each year by the highest of average earnings growth, inflation, or 2.5%.

For those affected by any future change to the age-68 timetable, the practical impact would be a later start date for their State Pension payments. However, with the review still under consideration, no immediate action is required from individuals.

The OBR has been notified of the potential change as part of its fiscal forecasting work. Any alteration to the State Pension age schedule would require primary legislation, meaning a parliamentary vote before it could take effect.

• Full new State Pension is £241.30 a week (£12,547.60 a year) in 2026/27 after a 4.8% triple lock rise.
• State Pension age is rising from 66 to 67, phased for those born on or after 6 April 1960, completing by 2028.
• The legislated rise to 68 currently applies in 2044 to 2046.
• Treasury officials have told the OBR that bringing the age-68 rise forward is being considered.
• No final decision has been made; roughly 5 million people born after 6 April 1977 could be affected if it moves.