The UK state pension age is set to rise again, affecting millions of people who rely on state support in their later years. Currently set at 66 for both men and women, the state pension age will gradually increase to 67 between April 2026 and March 2028. This change is part of regular reviews that consider factors like life expectancy and government affordability.
With these adjustments on the horizon, it’s essential to understand how they may impact your financial planning, retirement options, and potential government support.
State Pension Age Increase Timeline
- Current State Pension age: 66 (for both men and women)
- Planned increase: Rising to 67 between April 2026 and March 2028
- Potential future reviews: The government regularly reviews the pension age, meaning further increases could be considered based on affordability and life expectancy.
How Will This Affect Retirees?
Many people in their mid-60s will need to wait longer before they can access their state pension. This particularly impacts those who are unable to work due to health conditions or lack of savings.
Jonathan Cribb from the Institute for Fiscal Studies highlights a key concern:
“It is poorer people in their mid-60s who are hit most by state pension age increases. Most of these people are not in employment, some as a result of poor health. They also often have little savings or private pensions to fall back on.”
Financial Support for Affected Groups
To mitigate the impact, experts suggest the government could provide additional support for lower-income individuals affected by the pension age increase. Possible solutions include:
- Boosting Universal Credit: Increasing benefits for those nearing retirement could reduce financial hardship.
- Targeted Assistance: Providing financial relief to low-income households to lessen the impact of delayed state pension payments.
Cribb suggests that a £600 million boost in benefits could reduce poverty by around 30,000 households, ensuring that those most affected receive additional financial aid.
Accessing Private and Workplace Pensions Earlier
For those with personal or workplace pensions, there is an option to withdraw money before reaching the state pension age.
- Current minimum pension access age: 55
- New pension access age from 6 April 2028: 57
This means that individuals can start drawing from their private pensions earlier if needed, offering a buffer while waiting for state pension eligibility.
State Pension Increase in 2025
While the pension age is rising, the State Pension itself is also increasing by 4.1% in 2025, following the average earnings growth between May and July 2025.
- New State Pension: £230.25 per week (up from £221.20)
- Basic State Pension (for those who retired before April 2016): £176.45 per week (up from £169.50)
This increase was confirmed in the 2025 Autumn Budget, providing retirees with some additional financial relief amid the rising cost of living.
With the state pension age set to rise, it’s more important than ever to plan for retirement. Those who are heavily reliant on state support may face financial challenges, especially if they have limited savings or are unable to work due to health issues.
The government is under pressure to introduce targeted financial aid, particularly for those on lower incomes, to ensure that the transition to a later pension age does not lead to increased poverty among older citizens.
If you are approaching retirement, reviewing your private pension options and staying informed about government support schemes can help you navigate these changes with greater financial security.
FAQ’s
When is the UK state pension age increasing?
The UK state pension age will increase from 66 to 67 between April 2026 and March 2028. Further reviews could lead to additional increases in the future.
How will the pension age increase affect retirees?
People in their mid-60s will need to wait longer to receive their state pension. This change particularly affects those with little savings or health issues that prevent them from working.
Will there be financial support for those affected by the pension age rise?
Experts suggest boosting Universal Credit for those nearing pension age to help reduce financial hardship. A £600 million increase in benefits could reduce poverty by 30,000 households.
Can I access my private pension before the state pension age?
Yes, you can access your private or workplace pension from 55, but this will rise to 57 from 6 April 2028.
How much will the UK state pension increase in 2025?
The state pension will rise by 4.1% in 2025. The new full state pension will be £230.25 per week, while the basic state pension will increase to £176.45 per week.
If the government uses it’s head you would not have all these cuts to pensioners, lower the age and get the younger people into jobs that the current over 60s have and if they don’t get a job lower there benefits, the over 60s have paid into the system for a decent pension not poverty