11/06/2026
❗ Major changes are underway to the state pension age, with a gradual increase over two years.
📆 Previously, those entitled to the state pension began receiving it at age 66.
However, that is no longer the case, as changes are being introduced to reflect the increasing life expectancy of Brits. Over the next couple of years, your state pension age will depend on your exact birth date.
This is being done to gradually increase the state pension age from 66 to 67. Those born between April 6 and May 5, 1960, will be the first to be affected, with their state pension eligibility being delayed by a month.
In other words, they become eligible when they are 66 years and one month old. Further increases are expected, and younger workers are expected to remain in work until they are 70. Presently, there is a particular focus on those born in 1960 and 1961, as they will reach the state pension age in staggered phases.
Some campaign groups, such as Waspi, have argued that they have not been given enough warning over the changes. Meanwhile, other experts warn of pension poverty as a result of the changes, arguing that some workers will not have had enough time to alter their pension plans to account for the delays in payment.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the new state pension age rules, and what your state pension age will be depending on your birthday.
- April 6, 1960 - May 5, 1960: 66 years and 1 month
- May 6, 1960 - June 5, 1960: 66 years and 2 months
- June 6, 1960 - July 5, 1960: 66 years and 3 months
- July 6, 1960 - August 5, 1960: 66 years and 4 months
- August 6, 1960 - September 5, 1960: 66 years and 5 months
- September 6, 1960 - October 5, 1960: 66 years and 6 months
- October 6, 1960 - November 5, 1960: 66 years and 7 months
- November 6, 1960 - December 5, 1960: 66 years and 8 months
- December 6, 1960 - January 5, 1961: 66 years and 9 months
- January 6, 1961 - February 5, 1961: 66 years and 10 months
- February 6, 1961 - March 5, 1961: 66 years and 11 months
- March 6, 1961 - April 5, 1977: 67
A cross-party group of MPs has initiated an investigation into the income shortfall facing pre-pension age individuals as the changes come into effect.
Work and Pensions Committee Chair Debbie Abrahams stated when the inquiry was launched: "In our Pensioner Poverty report, we called on the Government to create a coherent cross-governmental strategy that would get ahead of the consequences of an ageing society. Its response pointed to a lot of - not unwelcome - standalone policies, but nothing that amounted to a guiding star for all departments for the health of the country as it edges towards retirement. It potentially leaves people exposed to falling between the cracks.
"Pre-pensioners are particularly exposed. You could've worked a gruelling 45 years as a skilled tradesperson, paying taxes only to find yourself short of cash as you limp from day-to-day for more years until the pension payoff. It's only natural that this situation would make you feel a sense of injustice, facing hardship, having been independent and contributing for decades. "
✍ Brian Dillon
