Brits born within a particular two-year window are being prompted to check their pension age due to imminent changes. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging those with certain birthdates to clarify their State Pension timing through an online service.
As the State Pension age gears up to incrementally elevate from 66 to 67 starting the following year, everyone should be aware of this shift. It’s projected that this gradual elevation will be in full swing across the country by 2028. As reported by the Daily Record, legal steps to reform the State Pension age have been in place since 2014, with plans to further increase the age from 67 to 68 between 2044 and 2046.
Using the social media platform X, the DWP issued an advisory note saying: “Born between 6 April 1960 and 5 March 1961? Check today to find out what your State Pension age will be.”
For those born on 6 April 1960, the anticipated State Pension age of 66 arrives on 6 May 2026; conversely, someone born on 5 March 1961 will reach the updated State Pension age of 67 on 5 February 2028. Using the online portal to ascertain your precise State Pension age is a straightforward process – it’s pivotal to stay abreast of such changes when preparing for retirement.
The DWP is committed to ensuring that anyone affected by these pension age updates will be notified well in advance of the alterations taking place. Moreover, the Pensions Act 2014 necessitates that the State Pension age be regularly reassessed at least once every five years.
These evaluations are based on the principle that individuals should anticipate spending a fixed proportion of their adult life receiving State Pension benefits. A review of the proposed increase to 68 is due before the end of this decade, initially planned by the previous Conservative government to take place two years after the general election – which would have been 2026.
The State Pension age review will take into account life expectancy along with various other factors relevant to determining the State Pension age. Upon the report’s conclusion, the UK Government may opt to implement changes to the State Pension age.
However, any proposals would need to gain approval from Parliament before becoming law.
Check your State Pension age online
Your State Pension age is the earliest age you can start receiving your State Pension. It may differ from the age you can get a workplace or personal pension.
The online tool at GOV.UK allows anyone of any age to check their State Pension age, which can be a crucial part of planning your retirement.
You can use the State Pension age tool to check:
- When you will reach State Pension age
- Your Pension Credit qualifying age
- When you will be eligible for free bus travel – this is at age 60 in Scotland.
Check your State Pension age online here.
State Pension payments 2025/26
Full New State Pension
- Weekly payment: £230.25
- Four-weekly payment: £921
- Annual amount: £11,973.
Full Basic State Pension
- Weekly payment: £176.45
- Four-weekly payment: £705.80
- Annual amount: £9,175t.
