A Big Change for Retirement
The UK government is shaking up the State Pension age, and it could mean waiting longer for your retirement money. The age to claim your State Pension is set to rise from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028, with another jump to 68 planned for around 2044. Announced in early 2025, these changes aim to keep pensions affordable as people live longer. With over 12 million people claiming the State Pension across the UK, including 1.1 million in Scotland, this affects many. Let’s break down who’s impacted, when, and what you can do to plan.
Why the Age Is Going Up
The State Pension gives you regular cash when you retire, but it’s getting pricey. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) says costs could reach £70 billion by 2030. With more people living longer and fewer young workers paying National Insurance, the government needs to balance the budget. Raising the pension age to 67 by 2028 and 68 by 2044 could delay payments for millions, according to pension experts. This follows the last increase to 66 in 2020. The changes need Parliament’s approval, and the government must give 10 years’ notice to avoid unfair shocks, like those felt by women born in the 1950s.
Who Will Be Affected?
The new pension age will hit people based on when they were born. Here’s who’s likely to face delays:
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Born between April 1960 and March 1961: You’ll wait until age 67 (2026–2028).
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Born between April 1970 and March 1977: You may need to wait until 68 (around 2044).
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Born before April 1951 (men) or April 1953 (women): You’re safe at the current age of 66.
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Already getting your pension: Your payments won’t change unless your situation does.
You can check your exact State Pension age on GOV.UK using their pension age calculator. If you’re nearing 66, start planning now to avoid a cash gap.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Current Pension Age | 66 |
| New Pension Age | 67 (2026–2028), 68 (2043–2044) |
| Affected Birth Years | 1960–1961 (age 67), 1970–1977 (age 68) |
| Check Your Age | GOV.UK pension calculator |
| Full Pension Amount | £230.25 per week (2025 rate) |
How It Affects Your Pension
The State Pension pays up to £230.25 a week (£11,973 a year) if you have 35 years of National Insurance contributions. If you were “contracted out” to a workplace pension, you might need more years. You can delay claiming your pension to boost it—every nine weeks of waiting adds about 1% to your weekly amount, or 5.8% per year. But if you get benefits like Pension Credit, delaying won’t increase your pension. The age rise could leave you short if you planned to retire at 66. Check your National Insurance record on GOV.UK to see if you can pay extra contributions to boost your pension.
Other Support If You’re Affected
If you have to wait longer for your pension, there are ways to cope. You can access private or workplace pensions from age 55 (rising to 57 in 2028), which could tide you over. Savings like ISAs can help, but investments can lose value, so be careful. If you’re struggling, Pension Credit can top up your income, even for those over pension age, and might unlock extra help like council tax discounts. The Household Support Fund, run by local councils, offers cash or vouchers for bills or food. For free advice, contact Citizens Advice or the Pension Service via GOV.UK. Stick to official sources to avoid scams promising fake pension boosts.
Plan Now to Stay on Track
The State Pension age changes could mess with your retirement plans, especially if you were born after 1960. The full pension of £230.25 a week is a big part of retirement, but it’s not enough on its own experts say you need at least £14,400 a year for a basic lifestyle. Use the GOV.UK calculator to check your pension age and review your National Insurance record to avoid surprises. If you’re worried about delays, explore Pension Credit or early access to other pensions. With costs rising, these changes could hit hard, so start planning now. Stay updated through GOV.UK and get ready to secure your retirement.
