DWP confirms new state pension rules starting next year
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed the state pension age is rising from 2026 with the change to be gradually phased in over the course of a year
The age increment to 67 will be implemented in stages
(Image: Richard Swingler )
People born after April 1960 will experience a delay in receiving their state pension due to an age-rule alteration set to come into effect next year. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that the state pension age will increase from 2026 with the change being gradually introduced over a year.
At present both men and women are eligible to claim the state pension upon reaching 66 but from next year this age will rise to 67.
The current state pension age was established between December 2018 and October 2020, having risen from 65, and now another increase will occur between 2026 and 2028.
The age increment to 67 will be implemented in stages and will affect when individuals born between April 6, 1960, and March 5, 1961, can claim their state pension.
As those born within these dates fall into the transition period it means some will be nearing 66 when they receive their state pension while others will be almost 67 by the time they receive their first payment.
Despite the age increase these individuals will still be able to access their state pension at 66 but not immediately after their 66th birthday.
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The phased age increase implies that people will reach state pension age at 66 years plus a specified number of months, effectively delaying their payment, reports the Express.
A spokesman for the DWP said: "The Pensions Act 2014 brought the increase in the state pension age from 66 to 67 forward by eight years. The state pension age for men and women will now increase to 67 between 2026 and 2028.
"The government also changed the way in which the increase in state pension age is phased so that rather than reaching state pension age on a specific date, people born between April 6, 1960, and March 5, 1961, will reach their state pension age at 66 years and the specified number of months. For people born after April 5, 1969, but before April 6, 1977, under the Pensions Act 2007, state pension age was already 67."
According to the DWP's schedule the state pension age will rise from 66 to 67 during the period from 2026 to 2028:
Born between April 6, 1960 and May 5, 1960 - reach state pension age at 66 years and one month
Born between May 6, 1960 – June 5, 1960- reach state pension age at 66 years and two months
Born between June 6, 1960 – July 5, 1960- reach state pension age at 66 years and three months
Born between July 6, 1960 – August 5, 1960 - reach state pension age at 66 years and four months
Born between August 6, 1960 – September 5, 1960 - reach state pension age at 66 years and five months
Born between September 6, 1960 – October 5, 1960 - reach state pension age at 66 years and six months
Born between October 6, 1960 – November 5, 1960 - reach state pension age at 66 years and seven months
Born between November 6, 1960 – December 5, 1960 - reach state pension age at 66 years and eight months
Born between December 6, 1960 – January 5, 1961 - reach state pension age at 66 years and nine months
Born between January 6, 1961 – February 5, 1961 - reach state pension age at 66 years and 10 months
Born between February 6, 1961 – March 5, 1961 - reach state pension age at 66 years and 11 months
Born between March 6, 1961 – April 5, 1977 - reach state pension age at 67
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People born post-April 5, 1977, are set to receive their state pension at 67 with plans indicating a further increment to 68 between 2044 and 2046, extending the wait for younger cohorts.
The DWP asserts that the age increments consider a "range of factors", such as life expectancy, and any amendments must be ratified by Parliament to become effective.
Presently there are no intentions to alter the timetable for the elevation from 66 to 67 but the progression from 67 to 68 "could change" following a review.
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