State Pension Age Begins Gradual Climb from age 66 to 67 on 6th April 2026
Published / Last Updated on 03/04/2026
Overview - State Pension Age Increase: Key Facts (2026–2028)
- The UK State Pension age begins rising from 66 to 67 on 6 April 2026.
- The increase is gradual, based on date of birth.
- First affected: people born 6 April–5 May 1960 (pension age +1 month).
- The change reflects longer life expectancy, though future rises are still under review.
State Pension Age Timeline
State Pension age increases by one month per birth month:
| Date of Birth | State Pension Age |
| 6 Apr – 5 May 1960 | 66 + 1 month |
| 6 May – 5 Jun 1960 | 66 + 2 months |
| 6 Jun – 5 Jul 1960 | 66 + 3 months |
| 6 Jul – 5 Aug 1960 | 66 + 4 months |
| 6 Aug – 5 Sep 1960 | 66 + 5 months |
| 6 Sep – 5 Oct 1960 | 66 + 6 months |
| 6 Oct – 5 Nov 1960 | 66 + 7 months |
| 6 Nov – 5 Dec 1960 | 66 + 8 months |
| 6 Dec 1960 – 5 Jan 1961 | 66 + 9 months |
| 6 Jan – 5 Feb 1961 | 66 + 10 months |
| 6 Feb – 5 Mar 1961 | 66 + 11 months |
| 6 Mar – 5 Apr 1977 | 67 |
Born 6 April 1977 – 5 April 1978
State Pension age increases again, by one month per birth month:
| Date of Birth | State Pension Age |
| 6 Apr – 5 May 1977 | 67 + 1 month |
| 6 May – 5 Jun 1977 | 67 + 2 months |
| 6 Jun – 5 Jul 1977 | 67 + 3 months |
| 6 Jul – 5 Aug 1977 | 67 + 4 months |
| 6 Aug – 5 Sep 1977 | 67 + 5 months |
| 6 Sep – 5 Oct 1977 | 67 + 6 months |
| 6 Oct – 5 Nov 1977 | 67 + 7 months |
| 6 Nov – 5 Dec 1977 | 67 + 8 months |
| 6 Dec 1977 – 5 Jan 1978 | 67 + 9 months |
| 6 Jan – 5 Feb 1978 | 67 + 10 months |
| 6 Feb – 5 Mar 1978 | 67 + 11 months |
| 6 Mar – 5 Apr 1978 | 67 + 11 months + a few days |
Born 6 April 1978 onwards
- State Pension age: 68 (under current legislation).
- A government review may change this date.
State Pension Payment Increases (April 2026)
Triple Lock Increase: +4.8%
- New State Pension: £241.30/week (£12,547.60/year)
- Basic State Pension: £184.90/week (£9,614.80/year)
Qualifying Years
- 35 years of National Insurance needed for a full pension.
- Gaps may occur due to time abroad, caring responsibilities, or low‑earning years.
Impact on Individuals and Communities
Financial Impact
- Treasury savings: ~£10bn per year by 2030.
- Some individuals may need to rely on private pensions to bridge the gap.
Health & Inequality
Healthy life expectancy varies significantly:
- North West, North East and Scotland = Age 77.
- South East, London, East of England and South West = Age 80.
- Shortest life expectancy is in Blackpool = 73.1 year old (Male).
- Longest life expctancy is in Winchester and both West and South West London = 85.3 year old (Female).
Those in poorer health or lower‑income areas are more affected and may struggle to work longer.
Behavioural Impact
- Employment rates for affected age groups increased by 10 percentage points after previous rises.
- Some experienced lower life satisfaction due to delayed retirement.
Future Changes
- Increase to age 68 currently scheduled for 2044–46.
- Under review due to slowing or falling life expectancy in some regions.
Try Our State Pension Age Calculator State Pension Age
FAQs
When does the State Pension age start rising?
From 6 April 2026, increasing gradually from 66 to 67.
Who is affected first?
People born 6 April–5 May 1960, whose pension age rises by one month.
How much will the State Pension pay from April 2026?
- New State Pension: £241.30/week
- Basic State Pension: £184.90/week
Do I need 35 years of NI contributions?
Yes—35 qualifying years for the full amount. Fewer years = reduced pension.
Why is the pension age rising?
To reflect longer life expectancy and manage public spending.
Will the pension age rise again?
The increase to 68 is legislated but under review; dates may change.
Who is most affected?
People in poorer health, lower‑income areas, or those unable to work longer.
What support is available before State Pension age?
Universal Credit and other means‑tested or disability‑related benefits.