Previously, most people became eligible to receive the State Pension at age 66. However, the Government is now gradually increasing the State Pension age to 67, meaning some people will have to wait months longer before receiving payments.
The changes are designed to reflect rising life expectancy and the increasing cost of funding the State Pension system. But campaigners and pension experts have warned that some workers may not have had enough time to adjust their retirement plans.
Retirement experts issue warning
Stefani Williams, Partner at Holden & Partners, says many people still don’t realise the changes could affect them.
“People often build their retirement plans around a specific age and income date. Even a delay of a few months can have a knock-on effect if someone is planning to stop work, draw from savings, or pay off debts around the time they expect their State Pension to begin.”
She added: “Many people still think they’ll automatically receive their State Pension at 66, but that’s no longer true for everyone. Your date of birth now matters more than ever, and some people could face a longer wait than they realise.”
Williams says the changes make it increasingly important for people approaching retirement to check their entitlement and review their finances.
“The State Pension forms an important part of retirement income for many households, but it was never designed to be the only source of retirement funding.
“Checking your State Pension forecast can help identify any gaps in your National Insurance record and give you a clearer picture of what income you’ll have available in retirement.”
State Pension Age: Full list of birth dates affected
Your State Pension age will now depend on exactly when you were born:
- Born April 6, 1960 – May 5, 1960: State Pension age 66 years and 1 month
- Born May 6, 1960 – June 5, 1960: State Pension age 66 years and 2 months
- Born June 6, 1960 – July 5, 1960: State Pension age 66 years and 3 months
- Born July 6, 1960 – August 5, 1960: State Pension age 66 years and 4 months
- Born August 6, 1960 – September 5, 1960: State Pension age 66 years and 5 months
- Born September 6, 1960 – October 5, 1960: State Pension age 66 years and 6 months
- Born October 6, 1960 – November 5, 1960: State Pension age 66 years and 7 months
- Born November 6, 1960 – December 5, 1960: State Pension age 66 years and 8 months
- Born December 6, 1960 – January 5, 1961: State Pension age 66 years and 9 months
- Born January 6, 1961 – February 5, 1961: State Pension age 66 years and 10 months
- Born February 6, 1961 – March 5, 1961: State Pension age 66 years and 11 months
- Born March 6, 1961 – April 5, 1977: State Pension age 67
For example:
- Someone born on 6 April 1960 will receive their State Pension from 6 May 2026.
- Someone born on 20 September 1960 will receive their State Pension from 20 March 2027.
- Someone born on 15 February 1961 will receive their State Pension from 15 January 2028.
- Someone born on 10 June 1961 will receive their State Pension from 10 June 2028, when they turn 67.
Why is the State Pension Age rising?
The increase forms part of a long-planned Government policy to gradually raise the State Pension age as people live longer and spend more years in retirement.
However, critics argue the changes could create financial difficulties for some people who were expecting to retire sooner.
Campaign groups, including those representing women affected by previous State Pension age changes, have argued that affected workers have not always received sufficient notice to adapt their retirement plans.
Meanwhile, a cross-party group of MPs has launched an inquiry into the potential income gap facing people who are below pension age but unable to continue working.
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What should you do now?
Experts recommend checking your State Pension forecast and confirming your State Pension age as early as possible.
For those born between April 1960 and March 1961, even a delay of a few months could affect decisions around retirement, savings withdrawals, employment and household budgeting.
The key message is simple: don’t assume you’ll receive your State Pension at 66. Depending on your birthday, you could be waiting significantly longer.
