Starting from next year, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will implement a shift in the State Pension age in the UK, increasing it from 66 to 67. This change will be gradual and affect different groups depending on their birth date.
In this guide, we will break down how the State Pension age adjustment will impact individuals born between 1960 and 1977, outlining the specific timelines for each group and providing clarity on when they will reach the eligible pensionable age.
Transition from 66 to 67: The Key Details
The State Pension age for people born between October 6, 1954, and April 5, 1960, will remain at 66 until the end of the 2025/2026 financial year.
However, starting from April 6, 1960, the pensionable age will gradually increase to 67, affecting individuals born from April 6, 1960, to April 5, 1977. The full transition to age 67 will be finalized by 2028.
Phased Increase in Pension Age
For individuals born between April 6, 1960, and March 5, 1961, the increase will be gradual. Rather than reaching the State Pension age on their birthday, they will experience a staggered increase based on the number of months their birthdate is after April 6, 1960.
The table below outlines the specific months when you will reach State Pension age depending on your birthdate.
When Will You Reach State Pension Age?
| Date of Birth | State Pension Age | Month You Will Reach Pension Age |
|---|---|---|
| April 6, 1960 – May 5, 1960 | 66 years and 1 month | May-June 2026 |
| May 6, 1960 – June 5, 1960 | 66 years and 2 months | July-August 2026 |
| June 6, 1960 – July 5, 1960 | 66 years and 3 months | September-October 2026 |
| July 6, 1960 – August 5, 1960 | 66 years and 4 months | November-December 2026 |
| August 6, 1960 – September 5, 1960 | 66 years and 5 months | January-February 2027 |
| September 6, 1960 – October 5, 1960 | 66 years and 6 months | March-April 2027 |
| October 6, 1960 – November 5, 1960 | 66 years and 7 months | May-June 2027 |
| November 6, 1960 – December 5, 1960 | 66 years and 8 months | July-August 2027 |
| December 6, 1960 – January 5, 1961 | 66 years and 9 months | September-October 2027 |
| January 6, 1961 – February 5, 1961 | 66 years and 10 months | November-December 2027 |
| February 6, 1961 – March 5, 1961 | 66 years and 11 months | January-February 2028 |
| March 6, 1961 – April 5, 1977 | 67 years | March-April 2028 |
Future Plans: State Pension Age 68
Looking further ahead, the UK government plans to raise the State Pension age to 68 between 2044 and 2046. This change will affect individuals born after April 6, 1977, and will be implemented in phases.
The phased increase of the State Pension age to 67 starting from April 2026 will affect a significant number of people in the UK, particularly those born between 1960 and 1977. Understanding when you will reach the eligible State Pension age is crucial for financial planning, as the adjustment will be gradual for some groups.
FAQs
When will the State Pension age change to 67?
The State Pension age will rise to 67 for those born between April 6, 1960, and April 5, 1977. The change will occur in phases and be completed by 2028.
Will the State Pension age ever increase beyond 67?
Yes, the State Pension age is scheduled to increase to 68 between 2044 and 2046 for individuals born after April 6, 1977.
How will my State Pension age be determined?
Your State Pension age is determined based on your date of birth. If you were born between 1960 and 1977, the transition to 67 will be gradual, and specific months will be set for when you become eligible for pension payments.