A finance expert has encouraged people to do a quick five-minute check due to upcoming changes in state pension eligibility starting next year. Under the current rules, you can claim your state pension at 66, but this is gradually increasing to 67 between April 2026 and April 2028.
Those who may be affected by this increase in their state pension age can do a quick check to confirm precisely when they will become eligible. Fiona Peake, personal finance expert at Ocean Finance, said: “Checking your state pension age is easy to do online and takes less than five minutes.
“You just need to go to the Government’s website and put in your date of birth. It’ll tell you the exact date you can claim your state pension.
“Knowing that date helps you plan around it, whether that means topping up your savings now, adjusting when you plan to retire or looking into other types of support you might be able to get in the meantime.” Ms Peake said it’s vital to be sure of your state pension age, as not knowing could lead to significant problems if you have to wait longer than anticipated to receive your pension.
She explained: “If you were expecting to get that money from a certain date and it turns out you won’t, you could be left with a gap of hundreds or even thousands of pounds depending on how long you need to wait. This can hit particularly hard if you don’t have much in private savings or if you’ve already started slowing down at work – you may have to dip into your savings sooner than planned or carry on working longer to cover everyday costs.”
Typically, you can apply for your state pension up to four months before you reach the state pension age. In the months leading up to your state pension age, you should receive a letter from the DWP inviting you to apply, complete with an invitation code to start your application online.
Ms Peake also urged those planning for their retirement to review their National Insurance (NI) record to check for any gaps that could be filled to boost your state pension. To qualify for the full new state pension, which currently stands at £230.25 a week, a person typically needs 35 years of full NI contributions.
Kristian Manton, a financial adviser at Octopus Money, is also urging people to check their state pension age. He also said people should check over their finances in case they have to wait longer for their state pension to start.
Mr Manton said: “A delay of even a few months can have a serious impact if your household budget is tight, potentially leaving you short and starting retirement on the back foot. That’s why it’s worth reviewing your planned spending and other sources of retirement income as early as possible.
“We’re also seeing more people considering phased retirement – reducing their working hours or switching to part-time work – to ease the transition and manage their finances as state pension changes come into effect.”
