The UK State Pension age begins rising from 66 to 67 on 6 April 2026. The change is phased by month of birth, which means two people born a few weeks apart could reach State Pension age several months apart.
The increase has been in legislation for years, but it takes effect in practice from this week — and many people near retirement have not fully checked how it affects them personally.
The timetable in simple terms
| Date of birth | State Pension age |
|---|---|
| Before 6 April 1960 | 66 (already reached or reaching soon) |
| 6 April 1960 to 5 March 1961 | 66 + a specified number of months (phased) |
| 6 March 1961 to 5 April 1977 | 67 |
| After 5 April 1977 | Currently scheduled at 68 (see below) |
Worked examples
A person born on 31 July 1960 reaches State Pension age at 66 years and 4 months — on 30 November 2026.
A person born on 31 December 1960 reaches State Pension age at 66 years and 9 months — on 30 September 2027.
A person born on 31 January 1961 reaches State Pension age at 66 years and 10 months — on 30 November 2027.
A person born on 15 April 1961 reaches State Pension age at 67 — on 15 April 2028.
The "financial gap year" risk
For anyone planning to stop work at 66, the phased rise creates a potentially painful gap. If your State Pension age is now 66 years and 7 months, for example, stopping work on your 66th birthday leaves seven months with no State Pension income. For households that had budgeted on the pension arriving the day they turn 66, that can be a material shortfall.
Three practical responses:
- Check your exact State Pension age on GOV.UK. The tool uses your date of birth to calculate it to the day.
- Build a cash buffer covering the gap between your planned stop-work date and your actual State Pension date.
- Review private and workplace pension access. Remember the minimum age for accessing private pensions rises from 55 to 57 in April 2028.
How much is the new State Pension in 2026/27?
From April 2026, the new State Pension (for those reaching State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016) rises to £241.30 per week — up from £230.25 in 2025/26. The basic State Pension (the old system) rises to £184.90 per week. Both are uprated by 4.8% under the triple lock.
| Pension type | 2025/26 | 2026/27 | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| New State Pension (full) | £230.25/wk | £241.30/wk | £12,547.60 |
| Basic State Pension (full) | £176.45/wk | £184.90/wk | £9,614.80 |
The next rise — age 68 — is already on the horizon
Current legislation schedules a further rise from 67 to 68 between 2044 and 2046. Successive government reviews have floated the idea of bringing that forward to the late 2030s, which would mean many people now in their thirties and forties waiting until nearly 70 for their State Pension.
The government has committed to a minimum of ten years' notice for any change to the age 68 timeline, so any acceleration would not catch people unaware — but the long-term direction is clearly upwards.
What else is changing in April 2026
- State Pension and inflation-linked benefits rise by 4.8% (triple lock) and 3.8% (CPI link) respectively
- Universal Credit standard allowances get an additional 2.3% uplift on top of the CPI increase
- The Ofgem energy price cap falls by £117 a year for typical use
- Energy Company Obligation levy removed from bills
Pension Credit — a separate but linked change
Pension Credit eligibility is tied to State Pension age. As your State Pension age rises, so does the age at which you can claim Pension Credit. For those between 66 and their exact State Pension age, Universal Credit is the main alternative safety net — and it pays significantly less than Pension Credit, which is why the "gap year" matters.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. State Pension rules are complex and depend on your individual National Insurance record and circumstances. Always check your personal State Pension forecast on GOV.UK and, for complex cases, speak to a regulated independent financial adviser.
Frequently asked questions
I was born in 1960. When exactly do I get my State Pension?
It depends on the day. If you were born before 6 April 1960, your State Pension age is 66. If you were born between 6 April 1960 and 5 March 1961, it falls somewhere between 66 years 1 month and 66 years 11 months. Use the GOV.UK calculator for an exact date.
Do I need to claim the State Pension or does it start automatically?
You need to claim it. You should receive an invitation to apply about four months before you reach your State Pension age.
Does the age rise affect my State Pension amount?
No — the amount is based on your National Insurance record, not your exact date of birth. The age rise only affects when payments start, not how much you receive each week.
Can I still work while receiving the State Pension?
Yes. There is no earnings cap on the State Pension. However, all pension income counts as taxable income and may push some of your earnings into a higher tax band.
What about my private pension?
Private and workplace pensions are a separate system. The minimum age for accessing them is currently 55, rising to 57 from April 2028. Access rules vary by scheme.
