Overview
- The age increase will be implemented in monthly steps from May 2026 to 2028, adding months to individual claim dates rather than switching everyone at once.
- People born from March 6, 1961 to April 5, 1977 will have a State Pension age of 67, with earlier cohorts moving through 66 plus extra months under the timetable.
- The government says it has no plans to allow access at 60, and affected individuals will receive advance letters and can verify their dates via the official GOV.UK tool.
- An independent review led by Dr Suzy Morrissey is considering future timetables, possible life‑expectancy links and whether the scheduled rise to 68 could be brought forward, with any changes requiring Parliament’s approval.
- Research highlights that around 1.5 million pre‑2016 basic pensioners face an annual shortfall of about £8,225 versus a minimum living standard, and advisers urge checking National Insurance records, claiming support and building private savings.