Table of Contents
The UK state pension age has undergone several changes over the years, with further increases planned in the coming decades. Under current legislation, the state pension age is set to rise from 67 to 68, affecting millions of people.
However, discussions about accelerating this change have raised concerns among workers approaching retirement. Understanding when these changes will take effect, who will be impacted, and what steps can be taken to prepare is essential for financial security.
With ongoing government reviews, staying informed about pension policies is more important than ever. This article explores the key details surrounding the upcoming changes.
What Is the Current State Pension Age in the UK?
The state pension age in the UK has changed significantly over the years due to government reforms.
The Pensions Act 1995 originally set out plans to equalise the state pension age for men and women. Until 2010, women could claim their state pension at 60, while men had to wait until 65. However, a series of legislative changes have since increased the pension age for both men and women.
Key milestones in the pension age increase:
- 2010-2018 – The pension age for women gradually rose to 65, equalising with men.
- 2018-2020 – The state pension age for both men and women increased to 66.
- 2026-2028 – The pension age is scheduled to rise to 67.
- 2044-2046 – Under current law, the state pension age will rise to 68.
For individuals born after 6 April 1960, the retirement age will be 66 or later, depending on government reviews.
Given that pensions are a long-term financial commitment for the government, these policies ensure that the system remains sustainable as life expectancy increases.
When Will the State Pension Age Increase to 68?
Under the Pensions Act 2007, the state pension age is set to increase from 67 to 68 between 2044 and 2046. However, government discussions indicate that this timetable could be accelerated, meaning the increase might happen much sooner.
The proposed timeline for the state pension age increase is as follows:
| Date of Birth | State Pension Age | Year Reached |
| 6 April 1977 – 5 May 1977 | 68 | 6 May 2044 |
| 6 May 1977 – 5 June 1977 | 68 | 6 July 2044 |
| 6 March 1978 – 5 April 1978 | 68 | 6 March 2046 |
| After 6 April 1978 | 68 | On 68th birthday |
However, economic concerns and government reviews could mean that the age increase happens much earlier potentially by the mid-2030s instead of the 2040s. If this happens, millions of people in their late 40s and early 50s may have to wait longer before claiming their state pension.
Who Will Be Affected by the State Pension Age Increase?
The state pension age increase from 67 to 68 will primarily impact individuals born on or after 6 April 1977.
However, if the government decides to accelerate the timeline, the changes could also affect people born in the early 1970s. This means that millions of workers who expected to retire at 67 may have to wait an extra year or more before they can claim their state pension.
Key Affected Groups
1. People Currently in Their 40s and Early 50s
For individuals who are currently in their late 40s and early 50s, there is uncertainty regarding when they will be eligible for their state pension.
While the law currently states that the rise to 68 will happen between 2044 and 2046, some reports suggest the change could be brought forward to the mid-2030s or early 2040s.
If this happens:
- Workers in their mid-40s (born between 1972 and 1976) could see their retirement age increase sooner than expected.
- Those in their early 50s (born in the late 1960s to early 1970s) may find that their state pension age remains at 67, but with uncertainty about future reviews.
This group must closely monitor government policy and prepare for potential delays in accessing their state pension.
2. Younger Generations (Born After 1977)
For individuals born after 6 April 1977, the increase to 68 is already confirmed under current law. This means:
- If the current timeline remains unchanged, they will have to wait until 2044-2046 to claim their state pension.
- If the timetable is brought forward, their retirement age could be even later than 68.
Younger generations must be proactive in planning their retirement, as they will likely have to work longer and rely more on private pensions and savings to maintain financial security in later life.
3. Workers Who Rely Solely on the State Pension
Many workers in the UK depend entirely on the state pension as their primary source of retirement income. The increase in pension age means they will need to:
- Work longer than expected before they can claim state support.
- Reevaluate their financial plans and explore alternative retirement income sources, such as workplace pensions.
- Adjust their savings strategy to account for the additional one-year gap before receiving their state pension.
This group will be particularly affected by health considerations, as some may struggle to continue working in physically demanding roles until the new pension age.
4. Low-Income and Manual Labour Workers
Workers in physically demanding jobs, such as construction, manufacturing, and healthcare, may find it difficult to work until 68 due to the physical strain of their professions.
- These workers will have to explore early retirement options if they cannot continue working due to health reasons.
- Some may be eligible for additional support, such as disability benefits or early access to workplace pensions.
Low-income workers may also face challenges in saving enough for retirement, making them more vulnerable to financial hardship due to the increase in pension age.
5. Women and Part-Time Workers
Historically, women have been more likely to have career breaks due to caregiving responsibilities, resulting in lower pension contributions. Many women already struggle to qualify for the full state pension due to gaps in their National Insurance (NI) record.
- With the state pension age increasing, women and part-time workers may need to work longer or make voluntary NI contributions to ensure they receive full pension benefits.
- Carers and parents who have taken time off work may need to review their pension contributions and explore options for filling contribution gaps.
6. Self-Employed Workers and Freelancers
Self-employed individuals and freelancers have different pension contributions compared to employees in traditional jobs.
- Many self-employed workers rely on private pension plans rather than workplace schemes.
- With the increase in pension age, this group will need to save more independently to bridge the gap before reaching state pension eligibility.
Those who have not been actively contributing to a private pension may find themselves at a financial disadvantage if they must work longer before accessing state support.
What This Means for Different Generations?
| Birth Year | Current State Pension Age | Will the Increase to 68 Affect Them? | Possible Retirement Scenario |
| Before 1960 | 66 or 67 | No | Already retired or retiring soon. |
| 1960-1969 | 67 (by 2026-2028) | Unlikely | May still retire at 67, but future changes could impact them. |
| 1970-1976 | 67 (by 2035-2043) | Possibly | If changes are brought forward, they may have to wait longer. |
| After 1977 | 68 (by 2044-2046) | Yes | Will have to work until at least 68, possibly longer. |
How to Prepare for These Changes?
Regardless of when the state pension age increase takes effect, individuals should take proactive steps to prepare:
- Check your National Insurance (NI) record to ensure you have enough qualifying years.
- Contribute to a private pension to avoid relying solely on the state pension.
- Consider alternative savings options, such as ISAs or investments, to build additional retirement income.
- Stay updated on government reviews, as future policy changes could impact your retirement plans.
The state pension age increase to 68 will affect millions of people, but with careful planning, individuals can ensure they are financially prepared for retirement, regardless of future changes.
Why Is the UK Government Raising the State Pension Age?
There are several reasons why the UK government is increasing the state pension age:
- Rising Life Expectancy:
One of the biggest factors behind the increase is that people are living longer than before. When the state pension system was introduced in 1948, life expectancy was much lower. Now, with advancements in healthcare and living standards, retirees spend more years in retirement than originally anticipated.
- Economic Sustainability:
The UK state pension is funded through National Insurance (NI) contributions from the current working population. However, as the ratio of workers to retirees decreases, it becomes increasingly difficult to fund pension payments. By increasing the retirement age, the government can ensure that the system remains financially sustainable.
- Balancing Working Years and Retirement:
The government wants to ensure that people spend a fixed proportion of their adult life in retirement. In 2013, the Chancellor of the Exchequer suggested that state pension ages should be adjusted so that retirees spend no more than a third of their adult life on a state pension.
- International Trends:
Other developed nations have also increased their pension ages due to similar challenges. For example:
- Germany – Raising the pension age to 67.
- France – Plans to increase the pension age to 64.
- United States – Gradually increasing the full retirement age to 67.
Could the Pension Age Increase Happen Sooner?
Yes. Although the current timetable suggests that the pension age will rise to 68 between 2044 and 2046, some government reports indicate that this could happen much sooner.
A government review considers various factors, including:
- Life expectancy trends – If people continue to live longer, the pension age may rise faster.
- Public finances – Government spending on pensions is a major budget concern.
- Employment rates – If more people are working for longer, raising the pension age becomes feasible.
Some experts believe that the pension age could reach 68 by the mid-2030s, instead of the 2040s. This means those born in the early 1970s could see their state pension age increase earlier than expected.
How Can You Check Your State Pension Age?
The easiest way to check when you can claim your state pension is by using the State Pension Age Calculator on the official Gov.uk website.
This calculator allows you to:
- Find out your exact pension age based on your date of birth and gender.
- Check if any upcoming changes will affect you.
- Plan ahead for retirement based on your expected pension date.
To use the tool, visit the official Gov.uk State Pension Age Calculator and enter your details.
What Are the Alternatives If You Can’t Work Until 68?
If you find the idea of working until 68 challenging, you might want to explore alternative financial strategies to secure an early retirement.
- Private and Workplace Pensions:
- Many employers offer workplace pensions, which provide extra retirement income.
- Contributing to a private pension can allow you to retire before the state pension age.
- Investments and Savings:
- Investing in property, stocks, or bonds can generate additional retirement income.
- Opening an ISA (Individual Savings Account) allows you to save money tax-free.
- Early Retirement Planning:
- Some employers offer redundancy packages or early retirement schemes.
- Certain private pensions allow you to access funds before the state pension age.
Will There Be Any Exceptions to the New Pension Age?
At present, there are no major exemptions from the state pension age increase. However, certain individuals might qualify for early support, such as:
- People with serious health conditions – Those with disabilities or reduced life expectancy may receive financial assistance.
- Workers in physically demanding jobs – Certain professions may have early retirement schemes.
For those unable to work until 68, it’s important to explore financial planning strategies and consider alternative sources of retirement income.
Conclusion
The state pension age increase to 68 is a significant change that will impact millions of UK workers. While the official timetable sets this change for 2044-2046, ongoing reviews could bring it forward.
It’s essential to stay informed, check your pension age, and plan for a financially secure retirement. Whether through private pensions, investments, or early retirement options, taking action now can help ensure a comfortable future.
FAQs About State Pension Age Increase to 68
When will the state pension age increase to 68?
Under current legislation, the state pension age will rise to 68 between 2044 and 2046, but government reviews could bring this forward.
Who will be affected by the pension age increase?
People born on or after 6 April 1977 will be impacted, but if the timetable is accelerated, those born in the early 1970s may also be affected.
Why is the UK government raising the state pension age?
The increase is due to longer life expectancy, economic sustainability, and the need to balance pension costs with the working population.
Could the state pension age increase sooner than 2044?
Yes, some reports suggest the increase could happen as early as the mid-2030s, depending on government reviews.
How can I check my state pension age?
You can use the State Pension Age Calculator on the Gov.uk website to find out your exact retirement age based on your date of birth.
Are there any exceptions to the pension age increase?
Currently, there are no major exceptions, but individuals with severe health conditions or reduced life expectancy may qualify for early support.
How can I prepare for the pension age increase?
Planning ahead with private pensions, savings, and investments can help ensure financial stability before reaching state pension age.