The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an important reminder for millions of people across the UK. Those born between 6 March 1961 and 5 April 1977 are being urged to check their State Pension age as the government prepares to implement significant changes from next year.
The move comes as part of the UK Government’s ongoing adjustments to the State Pension age, ensuring that the retirement system remains sustainable amid rising life expectancies and demographic shifts.
State Pension Age Rising from April 2026
Under current laws, the State Pension age is set to increase from 66 to 67, starting from April 2026. The rise will be phased over a two-year period, completing by March 2028.
This means that individuals born within the mentioned dates will now have to wait until they turn 67 to access their State Pension benefits. The change is rooted in the Pensions Act 2014, which established a framework for periodic reviews of the pension age to reflect demographic and financial factors.
For those impacted, this could significantly affect retirement planning and financial arrangements, making it essential to check and understand the new timelines.
Why the Change?
The UK, like many developed countries, is facing the challenge of an ageing population. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), life expectancy has been rising steadily, placing more strain on the pension system.
The government argues that by gradually increasing the pension age, it can ensure that the system remains fair and affordable for future generations. The decision follows a previous rise in the State Pension age from 65 to 66, which was completed in October 2020.
In line with recommendations from independent reviews, the government intends to periodically reassess the State Pension age at least once every five years, balancing factors like longevity trends, fiscal sustainability, and intergenerational fairness.
How to Check Your State Pension Age
The DWP has encouraged all individuals born between 6 March 1961 and 5 April 1977 to use the official online tool to check their specific State Pension age and entitlement details.
The tool is easy to use and can provide valuable information, including:
- When you will reach your State Pension age.
- When you will qualify for Pension Credit.
- When you will become eligible for free bus travel.
You can access the official State Pension age checker on GOV.UK using the following link:
Check your State Pension age
It is important to note that Pension Credit, a benefit designed to top up the income of retirees on low incomes, is also aligned with State Pension age changes.
Additional State Pension Age Reviews Underway
The current increase to 67 by 2028 is already legislated. However, the government has signalled that a future rise to 68 is on the horizon, although no date has been confirmed yet.
A recent review considered whether the rise to 68 could happen as early as 2037-2039, but in March 2023, the government decided to delay this decision. Instead, another review will take place after the next general election, using up-to-date data on life expectancy, labour market conditions, and population trends.
For now, the rise to 68 remains scheduled for 2044-2046, affecting those born after April 1977. You can read the government’s official response and reports regarding State Pension age reviews here:
State Pension age review – GOV.UK
Financial Planning Becomes Crucial
Experts suggest that these changes underline the importance of early and effective financial planning. With the State Pension age increasing, many people will need to reassess their personal savings, pensions, and retirement strategies to bridge the gap between when they might have previously planned to retire and their new State Pension eligibility date.
Organisations such as MoneyHelper, a government-backed financial guidance service, recommend that individuals regularly check their pension contributions, explore workplace or private pension options, and review overall retirement savings goals.
You can visit MoneyHelper’s pensions and retirement planning page here:
Final Thoughts
The DWP’s urgent call to action for those born between 6 March 1961 and 5 April 1977 is a timely reminder of how pension policy changes can directly affect individuals’ future financial security.
While these adjustments aim to ensure the sustainability of the State Pension system, they also place the onus on individuals to stay informed, plan ahead, and make informed financial decisions.
