Starting this April, a significant change to the State Pension age will come into effect across the UK. The pension age is increasing from 66 to 67, marking the beginning of a phased transition that is expected to be complete for everyone by 2028.
This adjustment, mandated by the Pensions Act 2014, was brought forward by eight years and alters when people become eligible to claim their State Pension. Individuals born between March 6, 1961, and April 5, 1977, will now qualify once they reach 67, rather than on a fixed date.
It’s important to understand how these changes might impact your retirement plans. Those affected will receive notification letters from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) well in advance.
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Looking ahead, the State Pension age is scheduled to rise further—from 67 to 68—between 2044 and 2046, as outlined in the Pensions Act 2007. The government conducts a review of the State Pension age at least every five years to ensure people can spend a reasonable portion of their adult lives in retirement.
A new Government Pension Commission, expected to publish its findings in 2027, will examine ways to enhance pension savings. Their review will focus on increasing contribution rates for auto-enrolment, encouraging savings among underrepresented groups such as the self-employed, and reassessing the State Pension age.
Dr. Suzy Morrissey will lead the commission’s work on recommendations for the State Pension age, supported by an analysis from the Government Actuary’s Department on life expectancy and retirement duration.
Any future changes proposed by the government will require Parliamentary approval before becoming law.
Remember, your State Pension age is the earliest you can begin receiving your State Pension, which might differ from the age you can access workplace or personal pensions. To check your specific State Pension age, regardless of your current age, use the official online tool available on GOV.UK—an essential step for planning your financial future.