Updated: October 2026
Your State Pension age decides when you can start receiving the State Pension, and also when you qualify for things like Pension Credit and, in England, a free bus pass. It is now changing: the State Pension age started rising from 66 to 67 in 2026.
Here is what is happening, who is affected and how to plan around it.
Quick answer: If you were born before 6 April 1960, your State Pension age is 66. If you were born between 6 April 1960 and 5 March 1961, it is 66 plus a number of months. If you were born on or after 6 March 1961, it is 67. The rise to 68 is currently set for 2044 to 2046, but it is being reviewed.
What is the State Pension age in 2026?
For many years the State Pension age has been 66 for both men and women. From 2026, it is rising gradually to 67, with the change being completed by 2028. People born in 1960 and early 1961 reach State Pension age at 66 plus a number of months.
| Date of birth | State Pension age |
|---|---|
| Before 6 April 1960 | 66 |
| 6 April to 5 May 1960 | 66 and 1 month |
| 6 May to 5 June 1960 | 66 and 2 months |
| 6 June to 5 July 1960 | 66 and 3 months |
| 6 July to 5 August 1960 | 66 and 4 months |
| 6 August to 5 September 1960 | 66 and 5 months |
| 6 September to 5 October 1960 | 66 and 6 months |
| 6 October to 5 November 1960 | 66 and 7 months |
| 6 November to 5 December 1960 | 66 and 8 months |
| 6 December 1960 to 5 January 1961 | 66 and 9 months |
| 6 January to 5 February 1961 | 66 and 10 months |
| 6 February to 5 March 1961 | 66 and 11 months |
| 6 March 1961 to 5 April 1977 | 67 |
To check your exact date, use the official State Pension age checker on GOV.UK.
Will the State Pension age rise to 68?
Under current law, the State Pension age will rise from 67 to 68 between 2044 and 2046, affecting people born on or after 6 April 1977.
The government reviews the State Pension age regularly. A third review was launched in July 2025 to look at life expectancy, the labour market and affordability, so this timetable could change. If you are in your 40s, it is worth checking your State Pension age every few years.
Who does this affect?
You should check your State Pension age if:
- you were born in 1960 or later
- you are planning to retire early
- you are budgeting for the gap between stopping work and getting your State Pension
It also affects other things linked to State Pension age, including when you can claim Pension Credit and, in England, the age you get a free bus pass. See our guide to free bus passes and travel discounts.
Can you claim your State Pension early?
No. You cannot get the State Pension before your State Pension age. But you may be able to bridge the gap with:
- private or workplace pensions, which you can usually access from 55 (rising to 57 from April 2028)
- savings or part-time work
- benefits, if you are on a low income or have a health condition
You can also choose to put off (defer) claiming your State Pension, which increases what you get later.
How to plan around your State Pension age
- Get a forecast. Check your State Pension forecast to see how much you are likely to get and when.
- Look for gaps in your National Insurance record. You may be able to fill them for free, for example with childcare credits for grandparents, or by paying voluntary contributions.
- Plan the gap if you want to stop work before your State Pension age. Our guide to retiring early can help.
- Claim on time. The State Pension is not paid automatically. Follow our step-by-step guide to claiming your State Pension.
For a full explanation of how the State Pension works, read our guide to State Pension eligibility. If you are on a low income, find out how Pension Credit works.
Final thoughts
The rise to 67 is now under way, so if you were born in 1960 or later, check your exact date rather than assuming it is your 66th birthday. Knowing it early gives you time to plan your income, fill any National Insurance gaps and avoid surprises.
