State pension age to rise to 67 in phased timetable; some will wait months after 66th birthday
Phasing from 2026 to 2028 will push the start of the state pension for some born between July and August 1960, delaying payments by several months with no reimbursement and ongoing reviews of the timetable.
The state pension age for men and women is being moved to 67 for some cohorts, in a phased timetable that runs from April 2026 to April 2028. For individuals facing a non-full-year pension age, the effect can be a delay between the date of a 66th birthday and the start of pension payments. As an example, someone born between 6 July 1960 and 5 August 1960 would have a pension age of 66 years and four months, meaning the first payment would not arrive until November 2026 rather than July 2026. Those “missing” months are not reimbursed, and fiscal treatment begins only when the pension actually starts.
The changes are the product of earlier law, but they are being implemented more quickly than originally planned. A 2007 law established ambitions for the state pension age to rise to 66 by 2026, 67 by 2036 and 68 by 2046. Subsequent legislation accelerated the timetable: a 2011 measure brought forward the date at which the pension age would reach 66 by six years to 2020, and a 2014 measure moved the date for a 67 age forward by eight years to 2028. The move from 66 to 67 will not happen overnight; it will be phased in between April 2026 and April 2028, producing non-integer pension ages for some people.
For those born in the period covered by the phasing, the pension age becomes a gradual progression rather than a clean 66 or 67 milestone. A table released as part of the guidance shows that, for example, a person born between 6 April 1960 and 5 March 1961 will reach the new pension age at a date that is not a full year. Those born before or after this window will face different timelines, but the general rule is that the pension age will be at least 67 for most people born after 5 March 1961. The practical effect is that some individuals will wait several months beyond their 66th birthday before they can claim the state pension.
In terms of future increases beyond 67, there is a strong likelihood of a faster timetable. While there has been no formal change yet to the date for an 68th birthday, two independent reviews have recommended bringing that date forward, and a third has been established to examine the broader pace of increases. Observers expect that any move toward 68 could be quicker than in the past, with potential implications for 69 or even 70 in the longer term. Those planning their finances should monitor any changes to their state pension age, as individuals may not automatically receive a personal notice if their pension age shifts.
The simplest way to stay informed is to bookmark the official Check your state pension age page and review it periodically, especially when making retirement plans or financial decisions. While the guidance is intended to be informative, it is not a substitute for regulated financial advice. Readers with questions about pensions can submit queries to Steve Webb, a former pensions minister who contributes to This Is Money. Webb’s responses are designed to help readers understand how pension ages may affect their planning, but not to replace personalised advice. For those seeking additional help, MoneyHelper—an official government-backed service—offers free assistance on pensions at 0800 011 3797.
The real-world impact of these reform steps sits at the intersection of policy and personal finance. As life expectancy has risen and public finances face pressures, policymakers have aimed to balance longer working lives with sustainable pension provision. The phased move from 66 to 67 underscores that the transition will not be uniform, and individuals should consider how even small shifts in pension age might affect retirement timing, savings needs, and income streams.
[This Is Money Note: Readers may recognize the publications and branding associated with the pension guidance and related financial services promotions.]
As pension ages evolve, the public is advised to monitor official sources and seek tailored guidance if they are nearing retirement. The changes reflect a continuing effort to adapt the state pension system to demographic and economic realities, while encouraging individuals to plan ahead for potential shifts in entitlement dates and the timing of benefits.
For more information, readers can contact MoneyHelper for general advice on pensions and retirement planning, or consult the official government resources that track state pension age. The evolving timetable means that personal retirement planning should be reviewed periodically to accommodate any adjustments to eligibility dates and benefit timing.
