The Current State Pension Age
The State Pension is a regular payment from the government that most people can claim when they reach State Pension age. The age is not static and has been subject to a series of increases over the years. Currently, the State Pension age is 66 for both men and women, a result of the equalisation of women's and men's State Pension age which was completed in October 2020.
Future Increases: The Roadmap to 67 and Beyond
Changes to the State Pension age don’t stop there. Future increases have already been legislated and planned, with more under review to ensure the system's long-term sustainability. The next significant increase is set to raise the age to 67, which will be phased in between April 2026 and April 2028. This means your eligibility depends entirely on your date of birth. For those born on or after 6 April 1961, the State Pension age will be 67.
There are also plans for a further increase to age 68, which is currently scheduled to take effect between 2044 and 2046. However, as the government continues to review life expectancy projections and other economic factors, this timeline could be brought forward. Being aware of these potential changes is crucial for your long-term financial planning.
How to Find Your Exact State Pension Age
The easiest and most accurate way to know your specific State Pension age is to use the official tool on the GOV.UK website. The tool will calculate your eligibility date based on your exact date of birth, removing any confusion caused by the gradual phasing in of age increases. For your reference, here is a simplified breakdown of the State Pension age changes based on birth year:
| Date of Birth | State Pension Age | Effective Date for Age 67 |
|---|---|---|
| Before 6 April 1960 | 66 | N/A |
| 6 April 1960 to 5 March 1961 | 66 and a number of months (rising incrementally) | Between May 2026 and March 2027 |
| On or after 6 April 1961 | 67 | From April 2028 |
It's important to note that you do not automatically receive your State Pension when you reach the qualifying age. You must actively claim it. The government will typically send you a letter a few months before you reach State Pension age, inviting you to start your claim.
Qualifying for the Full State Pension
While your age determines when you can claim, the amount you receive is based on your National Insurance (NI) record. To be eligible for the full New State Pension, you must have a minimum of 35 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions or credits.
A qualifying year is a tax year in which you have paid, are treated as having paid, or have been credited with enough NI contributions. This includes periods when you were working, as well as times when you were receiving certain benefits, such as Carer's Allowance or Child Benefit, which can earn you NI credits.
Filling Gaps in Your National Insurance Record
If your NI record has gaps, you might be able to pay voluntary contributions to increase your pension amount. This can be a worthwhile investment, but you should always check your State Pension forecast and NI record first to see if it's necessary. The forecast will show how much you could receive based on your current record and explain if paying voluntary contributions would increase your entitlement.
Working Past State Pension Age
Reaching your State Pension age does not mean you must stop working. The default retirement age was abolished, meaning you can continue to work for as long as you wish. You can also receive your State Pension while still working. There is no limit on how much you can earn, but remember that your State Pension is taxable income, so it could affect your tax bill depending on your other earnings.
Deferring Your State Pension
If you don't need the income immediately, you have the option to defer your State Pension. Deferring means you put off claiming it, and in return, you'll get a higher weekly payment when you do eventually claim. For every nine weeks you defer, your pension increases by 1% under the new State Pension rules. This can be a smart strategy to boost your retirement income, especially if you are still working.
Checking Your State Pension Forecast
To plan effectively, you should know what your current and future entitlement looks like. You can get a State Pension forecast online through the GOV.UK website. This service allows you to see:
- An estimate of how much State Pension you could get.
- Your State Pension age.
- How to increase your State Pension, if you have missing NI years.
It's a straightforward and free service that is essential for anyone planning their retirement. The forecast will tell you if you have a full 35 qualifying years and confirm your specific State Pension age, providing the clarity you need to make informed decisions. You can access the tool here: Check your State Pension forecast.
Conclusion
Knowing what age you can claim your full State Pension is the first step towards a financially secure retirement. With the State Pension age on the rise, understanding your specific eligibility date and the requirements for a full pension is more important than ever. By checking your forecast, planning for potential future changes, and exploring options like deferring your claim, you can take control of your later-life finances and approach retirement with confidence. Remember, the State Pension is the foundation, but a solid retirement plan involves understanding all your options.
