Updated: 27 December 2025

State Pension Age

Your State Pension age is when you become eligible to claim your State Pension. This age has increased over time and continues to change based on government legislation.

What is State Pension Age?

State Pension age is the earliest age at which you can claim your State Pension. It's not the same as retirement age - you can choose to work beyond your State Pension age or retire before it. However, you cannot claim your State Pension until you reach this age.

Current State Pension Age (2025)

As of 2025, the State Pension age is 66 years old for both men and women. This applies to anyone born between 6 October 1954 and 5 April 1960.

Gender Equality: State Pension age is now the same for men and women. Women's State Pension age was gradually increased from 60 to match men's age of 65 between 2010 and 2018, and both have since increased together to the current age of 66.

Upcoming Changes: 66 to 67 (2026-2028)

The State Pension age is increasing from 66 to 67 for people born on or after 6 April 1960. This change is being phased in gradually between May 2026 and April 2028.

Who Is Affected?

Your Date of Birth Your State Pension Age When You Can Claim
Before 6 April 1960 66 Already reached or reaching age 66
6 April 1960 - 5 May 1960 66 and 1 month May-June 2026
6 May 1960 - 5 June 1960 66 and 2 months July-August 2026
6 June 1960 - 5 July 1960 66 and 3 months September-October 2026
6 July 1960 - 5 August 1960 66 and 4 months November-December 2026
6 August 1960 - 5 September 1960 66 and 5 months January-February 2027
6 September 1960 - 5 October 1960 66 and 6 months March-April 2027
6 October 1960 - 5 November 1960 66 and 7 months May-June 2027
6 November 1960 - 5 December 1960 66 and 8 months July-August 2027
6 December 1960 - 5 January 1961 66 and 9 months September-October 2027
6 January 1961 - 5 February 1961 66 and 10 months November-December 2027
6 February 1961 - 5 March 1961 66 and 11 months January-February 2028
6 March 1961 - 5 April 1961 67 March-April 2028
On or after 6 April 1961 67 When you reach age 67

Future Changes: Increase to 68

Under current legislation, the State Pension age is scheduled to increase to 68 between 2044 and 2046. This was originally planned for 2044-2046, then brought forward to 2037-2039, but reverted back to 2044-2046 following a government review.

Subject to Review: State Pension age is reviewed regularly by the government. Future changes beyond those already legislated may be announced based on life expectancy trends, economic factors, and affordability. The next review is expected in the late 2020s.

Why Has State Pension Age Increased?

The State Pension age has increased for several key reasons:

1. Increased Life Expectancy

People are living longer, healthier lives. When the State Pension was introduced in 1948, average life expectancy was much lower. Today, people typically receive State Pension for 20-25 years or more.

2. Demographic Changes

The UK has an aging population. The ratio of working-age people to pensioners has decreased significantly, meaning fewer workers support each pensioner through National Insurance contributions.

3. Financial Sustainability

State Pension is the largest single item of government spending (over £100 billion annually). Increasing the pension age helps keep the system affordable and sustainable for future generations.

4. Equality

Equalizing pension age between men and women was a legal requirement under EU equality legislation and principles of fairness.

Historical Changes

Period Men's Pension Age Women's Pension Age
1948 - 2010 65 60
2010 - 2018 65 60 → 65 (gradual increase)
2018 - 2020 65 → 66 65 → 66
2020 - 2026 66 66
2026 - 2028 66 → 67 66 → 67
2044 - 2046 (planned) 67 → 68 67 → 68

What If I Don't Know My State Pension Age?

You can find out your exact State Pension age by:

Can I Retire Before State Pension Age?

Yes, you can retire whenever you choose. State Pension age is not the same as retirement age. However:

  • You cannot claim State Pension until you reach your State Pension age
  • You'll need other income sources to support yourself (workplace pension, personal savings, investments)
  • Early retirement may affect your ability to build up qualifying years if you're not working

Can I Work Past State Pension Age?

Absolutely. You can continue working for as long as you wish. If you work past State Pension age:

  • You stop paying National Insurance contributions (a tax saving)
  • You can still claim your State Pension while working
  • You can defer claiming your State Pension to increase the amount you receive later
  • Your income tax treatment remains the same

What About My Workplace Pension?

Workplace pensions are separate from State Pension and have their own rules:

  • Most workplace pensions have a Normal Pension Age (often 65 or matching State Pension age)
  • You may be able to access workplace pensions from age 55 (rising to 57 in 2028)
  • Early access may result in reduced benefits or early withdrawal penalties
  • Check your specific scheme rules
Separate Systems: State Pension and workplace pensions are completely separate. Your State Pension age and workplace pension age may be different.

International Comparisons

The UK's State Pension age is similar to many developed countries:

  • USA: 66-67 (depends on birth year)
  • Germany: 65-67 (gradually increasing)
  • France: 64 (recently increased from 62)
  • Netherlands: 67
  • Australia: 67
  • Canada: 65

Next Steps