State pension age starts rising to 67 – here’s how much you get and when

State Pension Age Begins to Increase to 67 – Here’s How Much You Get and When

The state pension eligibility age is now increasing to 67, starting Monday, alongside a rise in monthly payments. Currently, the pension age is 66, but it will gradually shift over the next two years, reaching 67. The first to face this change are those born between 6 April and 5 May 1960, who will now wait an additional month for their pension.

Officials state the adjustment aims to align with extended lifespans, as many younger generations anticipate working into their 70s. The government continues to evaluate potential further changes to the pension age. Meanwhile, the triple lock policy ensures payments will rise by 4.8% in line with average wages within days.

Peter Bradbury, from Preston, will receive his state pension at 66 years and eight months. “It’s frustrating,” he said on BBC Radio 4’s Money Box. “I thought I’d be eligible at 65. Now I’ll do some other work and can’t travel as much as planned. It doesn’t affect daily expenses much, but it’s cut short the things I wanted to do.”

At a guitar gathering in Liverpool, younger participants shared concerns about future pension age hikes. Laura Williams, 38, from Netherley, who works in education, remarked: “I imagine I’ll be 70 by then. The things you delay until you’re free and financially secure might not be possible anymore due to health.”

Experts warn the pension age rise will disproportionately impact regions with shorter life expectancy forecasts. For example, men in Blackpool are projected to stay healthy until nearly 52, compared to nearly 70 in Wokingham, Berkshire. This difference means the change affects those with fewer resources more severely.

Laurence O’Brien, a senior research economist at the Institute for Fiscal Studies, stated, “The most vulnerable are often those least able to adapt—like individuals already out of work or with limited savings. It’s crucial to pair future pension age increases with targeted financial aid.”

The move is expected to save the Treasury around £10 billion annually by 2030. To qualify for a full state pension, individuals typically need 35 years of qualifying national insurance contributions. However, those with gaps in their records, such as time spent abroad or caring for children, may face challenges.

Earlier pension age changes sparked controversy, notably the Waspi campaign, which highlighted inadequate notice for women. Affected individuals often relied on private savings to compensate, and some reported reduced life satisfaction. Employment rates in affected groups rose by 10 percentage points, as workers stayed in jobs longer.

Legislation currently sets the pension age at 68 for 2044–46, but a review may alter these dates. Elaine Smith, head of employment and skills at the Centre for Ageing Better, emphasized that the rationale for raising the pension age is tied to longer life expectancy. “Yet life expectancy has dipped since the pandemic,” she noted. “This means the policy’s reasoning must be revisited.”

A DWP representative stated, “We’re committed to offering financial support to those in need at any age. Those below the pension age can access universal credit and other means-tested benefits.” The changes will be discussed further on BBC Sounds at 12