What does the DWP’s state pension age change in 2026 mean for UK workers, and why is it happening at all? The short answer is: people are living longer, healthier lives, and the government needs to ensure that the state pension system remains financially sustainable for future generations.
The UK state pension is a major part of public spending, and as life expectancy continues to rise, so too does the cost of maintaining long-term pension payments. In response, the government introduced a series of laws that gradually raise the state pension age.
These changes aim to ensure that people spend a fair portion of their adult life in retirement, with a general principle that no more than one-third of adult life should be spent drawing a pension.
Three main Acts of Parliament have influenced these changes:
- Pensions Act 2007 – Introduced the concept of raising the pension age to 68
- Pensions Act 2011 – Accelerated equalisation of the pension age between men and women, and initiated the rise to 66
- Pensions Act 2014 – Advanced the rise to 67 by eight years and introduced a more gradual phasing system
These laws not only reflect demographic and economic pressures but also attempt to maintain fairness across generations. As a result, the DWP state pension age change 2026 is one of several steps in a long-term reform process.
What Were the Changes Made by the Pensions Act 2011?
The Pensions Act 2011 was pivotal in speeding up the equalisation of the state pension age between men and women. Before this Act, women could claim their state pension at 60, while men had to wait until 65. The legislation aimed to address this gender gap by bringing women’s retirement age in line with men’s.
Between April 2016 and November 2018, the state pension age for women rose from 60 to 65. From December 2018, both men and women saw their pension age increase to 66, fully reaching that milestone by October 2020.
State Pension Age for Women (Born April–December 1953)
| Date of Birth | State Pension Age Reached |
| 6 Apr 1953 – 5 May 1953 | 6 Jul 2016 |
| 6 May 1953 – 5 Jun 1953 | 6 Nov 2016 |
| 6 Jun 1953 – 5 Jul 1953 | 6 Mar 2017 |
| 6 Jul 1953 – 5 Aug 1953 | 6 Jul 2017 |
| 6 Aug 1953 – 5 Sep 1953 | 6 Nov 2017 |
| 6 Sep 1953 – 5 Oct 1953 | 6 Mar 2018 |
| 6 Oct 1953 – 5 Nov 1953 | 6 Jul 2018 |
| 6 Nov 1953 – 5 Dec 1953 | 6 Nov 2018 |
The next phase affected both genders.
Increase from Age 65 to 66 for Men and Women (Born Dec 1953 – Apr 1960)
| Date of Birth | State Pension Age Reached |
| 6 Dec 1953 – 5 Jan 1954 | 6 Mar 2019 |
| 6 Jan 1954 – 5 Feb 1954 | 6 May 2019 |
| 6 Feb 1954 – 5 Mar 1954 | 6 Jul 2019 |
| 6 Mar 1954 – 5 Apr 1954 | 6 Sep 2019 |
| 6 Apr 1954 – 5 May 1954 | 6 Nov 2019 |
| 6 May 1954 – 5 Jun 1954 | 6 Jan 2020 |
| 6 Jun 1954 – 5 Jul 1954 | 6 Mar 2020 |
| 6 Jul 1954 – 5 Aug 1954 | 6 May 2020 |
| 6 Aug 1954 – 5 Sep 1954 | 6 Jul 2020 |
| 6 Sep 1954 – 5 Oct 1954 | 6 Sep 2020 |
| 6 Oct 1954 – 5 Apr 1960 | On 66th birthday |
These changes impacted retirement plans across the country, especially for women who had long expected to retire at 60, and sparked ongoing debates about fairness and notice periods.
What Will the 2026 DWP State Pension Age Change Introduce?
The most imminent reform comes from the Pensions Act 2014, which brought forward the rise in state pension age from 66 to 67, compressing the original timeline by eight years.
This means that individuals born between 6 April 1960 and 5 April 1977 will now have to wait until they are 67 years old to receive their full state pension.
Unlike previous changes that assigned a single eligibility date, this reform uses a gradual monthly phase-in model. Those born in the early months of 1960 will reach state pension age slightly after 66, with each following month adding one additional month of age before eligibility.
Table 3: State Pension Age for People Born April 1960 – April 1977
| Date of Birth | State Pension Age |
| 6 Apr 1960 – 5 May 1960 | 66 years and 1 month |
| 6 May 1960 – 5 Jun 1960 | 66 years and 2 months |
| 6 Jun 1960 – 5 Jul 1960 | 66 years and 3 months |
| 6 Jul 1960 – 5 Aug 1960 | 66 years and 4 months |
| 6 Aug 1960 – 5 Sep 1960 | 66 years and 5 months |
| 6 Sep 1960 – 5 Oct 1960 | 66 years and 6 months |
| 6 Oct 1960 – 5 Nov 1960 | 66 years and 7 months |
| 6 Nov 1960 – 5 Dec 1960 | 66 years and 8 months |
| 6 Dec 1960 – 5 Jan 1961 | 66 years and 9 months |
| 6 Jan 1961 – 5 Feb 1961 | 66 years and 10 months |
| 6 Feb 1961 – 5 Mar 1961 | 66 years and 11 months |
| 6 Mar 1961 – 5 Apr 1977 | 67 |
This structured increase ensures a smoother transition but also highlights the need for individuals to keep up-to-date with their projected retirement dates.
How Will the State Pension Age Rise Affect People Approaching Retirement?
For those born in the early 1960s, the DWP state pension age change 2026 will mean waiting several months longer than initially expected. The phasing model might seem less abrupt, but it still delays access to the state pension, affecting budgeting, savings strategies, and retirement goals.
For individuals without significant workplace or private pensions, this delay may lead to a financial gap before they become eligible for pension payments. Those with physically demanding jobs or health issues may find it particularly difficult to continue working.
While deferring the pension can increase the weekly amount received, not everyone can afford to do so. The importance of checking one’s National Insurance contributions also becomes more pressing, as fewer working years may lead to a reduced pension.
When Will the State Pension Age Rise to 68?
The next major increase is scheduled between 2044 and 2046, when the state pension age will go from 67 to 68 under the Pensions Act 2007. However, following the latest government reviews, there is speculation that this timeline may be brought forward to the mid-2030s.
If implemented, it will affect individuals born after 5 April 1977. Though the government has not legislated for this early increase yet, the idea remains under consultation.
Table 4: State Pension Age Rise from 67 to 68 (Current Legislation)
| Date of Birth | State Pension Age Reached |
| 6 Apr 1977 – 5 May 1977 | 6 May 2044 |
| 6 May 1977 – 5 Jun 1977 | 6 Jul 2044 |
| 6 Jun 1977 – 5 Jul 1977 | 6 Sep 2044 |
| 6 Jul 1977 – 5 Aug 1977 | 6 Nov 2044 |
| 6 Aug 1977 – 5 Sep 1977 | 6 Jan 2045 |
| 6 Sep 1977 – 5 Oct 1977 | 6 Mar 2045 |
| 6 Oct 1977 – 5 Nov 1977 | 6 May 2045 |
| 6 Nov 1977 – 5 Dec 1977 | 6 Jul 2045 |
| 6 Dec 1977 – 5 Jan 1978 | 6 Sep 2045 |
| 6 Jan 1978 – 5 Feb 1978 | 6 Nov 2045 |
| 6 Feb 1978 – 5 Mar 1978 | 6 Jan 2046 |
| 6 Mar 1978 – 5 Apr 1978 | 6 Mar 2046 |
| After 6 Apr 1978 | On 68th birthday |
While these changes are decades away, they underscore the importance of long-term planning.
What Should People Do to Prepare for the 2026 Pension Age Change?
Preparation is key. Individuals nearing retirement age must check how the upcoming changes will affect them. The government offers several tools and resources:
- The State Pension age calculator on gov.uk
- Your State Pension forecast, which shows how much you may get and when
- Details of National Insurance contribution gaps, and options to top them up
- Information on deferring the state pension for higher payments
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the state pension age in 2026 for people born in 1960?
It depends on the birth month. For example, someone born in April 1960 will reach pension age at 66 years and 1 month in May 2026, while those born by March 1961 will reach age 67 in early 2028.
Can the pension age increase again after 2026?
Yes. The age is currently set to rise to 68 between 2044 and 2046, but future reviews may accelerate this timeline.
How can I find out when I’ll get my pension?
Use the State Pension age calculator on GOV.UK for an accurate estimate based on your date of birth.
What if I cannot work until the new pension age?
You may be eligible for support such as Universal Credit, ESA, or other welfare benefits. Occupational pensions may also provide income before state pension age.
Will the amount I receive change if the age changes?
The pension amount is based on NI contributions and the triple lock formula. The age change doesn’t directly alter the amount, but delays when you start receiving it.
Is early retirement still an option?
Yes, but you must fund it yourself through private savings or workplace pensions. You can’t access the state pension early.
Will the state pension age rise beyond 68?
Possibly. Proposals suggest increases to 69 in the late 2040s, though no legislation currently enforces that change.
