Starting in 2026, the UK State Pension age will officially begin increasing from 66 to 67, marking a major milestone for millions of future retirees.
This transition, legislated under the Pensions Act 2014, aims to reflect growing life expectancy, demographic changes, and ensure the financial sustainability of the pension system.
The increase will be phased in gradually until 2028, impacting both men and women equally.
Who Will Be Affected by the Change?
The change mainly affects those born on or after April 6, 1960. These individuals will now retire at 67 instead of 66, meaning they’ll have to work an extra year before claiming their State Pension benefits.
This accelerated timeline was set eight years earlier than initially planned, highlighting the government’s commitment to balancing pension payouts with the ageing population.
Timeline of State Pension Age Changes
Here’s a detailed breakdown:
| Birth Date Range | State Pension Age | Implementation Period |
|---|---|---|
| Before April 6, 1960 | 66 | Already in effect |
| April 6, 1960 – March 5, 1961 | Gradual shift | 2026–2028 |
| March 6, 1961 – April 5, 1977 | 67 | By 2028 |
| After April 5, 1977 | Subject to future changes | To Be Decided (TBD) |
Those born between March 6, 1961, and April 5, 1977, will transition gradually under the new framework.
What About Future Changes to Age 68?
A further rise in the State Pension age to 68 is already planned under the Pensions Act 2007 for 2044–2046.
However, following the next pension age review in 2026, the government could recommend bringing this change forward, depending on economic forecasts and life expectancy data. Any change will require parliamentary approval.
New Tools Launched for Pension Planning
In April 2025, HMRC expanded its digital pension services, helping users:
- Track National Insurance (NI) records
- Identify gaps in their contribution history
- Access State Pension forecasts
More than 10,000 payments worth £12.5 million have already been processed through these improved services.
Additionally, the online pension forecasting tool has seen over 3.7 million users review their future pension entitlements since the 2024 upgrade.
Extended Deadline for National Insurance Contributions
If you have gaps in your NI record between April 6, 2006, and April 5, 2018, you now have until April 5, 2025, to voluntarily contribute and potentially boost your future State Pension.
This extension mainly benefits:
- Men born on or after April 6, 1951
- Women born on or after April 6, 1953
Remember: to qualify for any State Pension, you must have at least 10 years of NI contributions, and to receive the full new State Pension, you need 35 qualifying years.
Planning Ahead: Should You Top Up?
While voluntary contributions can increase your pension amount, it’s crucial to analyze your work history, future income, and eligibility for NI tax credits before paying extra.
Overpaying won’t raise your pension beyond the maximum limit, and costs can be significant.
The planned increase of the UK State Pension age to 67 starting in 2026 marks a significant shift for workers planning their retirement.
By using digital tools to track your National Insurance record, making smart voluntary contributions, and staying updated on future changes, you can better prepare for a secure retirement. Early planning today will help ensure financial stability tomorrow.
FAQs
Who will be most affected by the State Pension age increase to 67?
Those born on or after April 6, 1960, will see their retirement age rise from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028.
Can the State Pension age rise earlier to 68?
Yes, the government will review the timeline in 2026, and if necessary, move the increase to 68 earlier than currently planned.
How many years of National Insurance contributions are needed for a full State Pension?
You need 35 qualifying years to receive the full new State Pension and at least 10 years to receive any payment.