Advancing years, shifting schemes – and now a big alteration in state pension. The department of work and pensions (DWP) in the UK has confirmed the reduction in the retirement age to the state pension which is changing since the year 2026. This transformation will particularly take a sight on the people born after April 1960.
We will elaborate on what this change entails, which people this change will impact, and what do the government plans on doing as far as pension age is concerned in a few years to come in this article.
New rule will come into effect from 2026: Will have to wait longer for pension
As it is now, both females and males in the UK are entitled to state pension at the age of 66. This has a progressively decreased retirement age between 2018 and 2020, turning up the retirement age of 65 to 66. However the government is now going to raise it another year to the age of 67.
The boost will be done in phases in between 2026 and 2028. It implies that the rules will not change overnight to all the people and the new rule will be introduced over time following the date of birth.
Who will be affected?
The above change will affect most the people born between 6 April 1960 and 5 March 1961.
The pension age for these people has now been fixed at 66 years with some additional months added. As the date moves forward, the waiting time also increases. For example:
- Those born between 6 April 1960 and 5 May 1960 will get pension at 66 years and 1 month.
- At the same time, a person born in February 1961 will get pension only at 66 years and 10 months.
- And those born between **6 March 1961 and *5 April 1977* will get pension directly at the age of 67 years.
Why has this change been made?
DWP reports that the act was done in place of the Pensions Act 2014, in which it was provided that the age of state pension will be raised up to 67 years 8 years earlier i.e. since 2026 itself. It is largely caused by the rise in life expectancy.
The government argues that currently people are living longer than they used to in the past and in this kind of case, it is important to raise up the age limit to make the pension system financially stable.
Government’s official timetable
The timetable given below tells at what age a person born on a particular date will get pension:
| Date of Birth (Between) | State Pension Age |
|---|---|
| 6 April 1960 – 5 May 1960 | 66 years and 1 month |
| 6 May 1960 – 5 June 1960 | 66 years and 2 months |
| 6 June 1960 – 5 July 1960 | 66 years and 3 months |
| 6 July 1960 – 5 August 1960 | 66 years and 4 months |
| 6 August 1960 – 5 September 1960 | 66 years and 5 months |
| 6 September 1960 – 5 October 1960 | 66 years and 6 months |
| 6 October 1960 – 5 November 1960 | 66 years and 7 months |
| 6 November 1960 – 5 December 1960 | 66 years and 8 months |
| 6 December 1960 – 5 January 1961 | 66 years and 9 months |
| 6 January 1961 – 5 February 1961 | 66 years and 10 months |
| 6 February 1961 – 5 March 1961 | 66 years and 11 months |
| 6 March 1961 – 5 April 1977 | 67 years |
Longer wait for people born after 1977
Individuals born on or after 5 April 1977 will receive pension at the age of 67 years itself. Nevertheless, the government has already announced that the pension level can be raised up to 68 years till 2044-2046.
This means that the current youth will have to wait for more years to get their pension.
What next? Will the rules change again?
The DWP has also clarified that any decision to increase the pension age cannot be implemented without the permission of Parliament. Although there will be no change in the age increase from 66 to 67 at present, the proposed increase from 67 to 68 years can be reviewed.
The government has said that it will decide the future pension rules by taking into account many factors such as life expectancy, health, employment market and economic situation.
Will it affect only age?
This change in the age limit means that the person will not get pension immediately after his 66th birthday. They will have to wait for the specified additional months. This may affect their financial plans.
This is a reason why preparation must be done early in life so that when such a change happens, then residents know what retirement entails, which is in form of saving and criteria to be adhered to.
Conclusion: Preparation is essential
Such alteration to the state pension has an immediate impact on your retirement plans. You should realize this difference, especially in case you are born in April 1960 or afterwards and adjust your financial plan accordingly.
There is a strong possibility that the pension age could rise still further in future hence the move towards alternative sources of income, pension schemes and personal savings should now be made.
So, to keep yourself abreast of this topic and know how you could use the benefits or exemptions offered by this change, regularly visit the DWP website or consult professionals.
Special information for you:
s may be entitled to an extra £78 a week – if they meet certain conditions.
- The DWP is offering over £14,000 worth of discounts and free services in July – don’t miss out.
If you found this article useful, share it with your family and friends who fall into this age group – so they too can be prepared for the changes to come.
1. When will the State Pension age increase to 67?
The State Pension age will gradually rise from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028.
2. Who will be affected by the new pension age rule?
People born between April 6, 1960, and April 5, 1977, will be affected by the phased increase.
3. Will I still get my pension at 66?
Only partially — some will receive it at 66 plus a few months depending on their birth date.
4. Why is the pension age increasing?
The rise is due to longer life expectancy and the need to make the pension system sustainable.
5. Is the age increase to 68 confirmed?
Not yet. It’s proposed for 2044–2046, but the government may review or adjust the timeline.