New DWP State Pension age confirmed with thousands affected

The State Pension age is set to increase from 66 to 67 from 2026, and the UK Government has announced plans for a new review of the State Pension age

The State Pension age is set to start climbing from 66 to 67 next year, with the rise expected to be fully in place for all UK men and women by 2028. This planned adjustment to the official retirement age has been on the books since 2014, with a further increase from 67 to 68 slated to occur between 2044 and 2046.

The Pensions Act 2014 brought forward the increase in the State Pension age from 66 to 67 by eight years. The UK Government also tweaked the phasing of the State Pension age increase, meaning that instead of reaching State Pension age on a specific date, people born between 6 March 1961 and 5 April 1977 will be eligible to claim the State Pension once they turn 67.

It's vital to be aware of these looming changes now, especially if you have a retirement plan in place. All those affected by changes to their State Pension age will receive a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) well in advance.