DWP State Pension Age could rise to 68 Years: Many people in the UK might have to wait longer to get their state pension. Experts now say the government could increase the pension age to 68 earlier than originally planned. Right now, the plan is to raise the pension age to 67 between 2026 and 2028, and then to 68 between 2044 and 2046. But this timeline might change.
This possibility comes as life expectancy in the UK is slowly rising again, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). While the increase is small, it is still an important factor in how long people will need pensions.
Life Expectancy and Pension Costs Are Linked
The Covid pandemic had caused a pause in life expectancy growth, but since 2021, there have been small increases. Currently, life expectancy at birth is:
- 78.8 years for men
- 82.8 years for women
For those who reach the age of 65, men can expect to live another 18.5 years and women another 21 years.
However, this is not the same across the country. There’s a 10-year gap in life expectancy between different regions. For example, in Blackpool, Lancashire, men live on average up to 73.1 years, while in Hart, Hampshire, the average is 83.4 years. These differences make it harder to set a fair pension age for everyone.
Why the Pension Age Might Rise Sooner
Tom Selby, director of public policy at AJ Bell, explained that rising life expectancy and the growing cost of state pensions are putting pressure on government finances. The UK currently spends about £125 billion a year on state pensions. With more people expected to live longer, that number will likely grow even more.
Selby said, “The number of people living past 100 has more than doubled in 20 years. If this continues, the state pension could become too expensive for the government to handle.”
Poorer People May Be Affected the Most
If the government increases the pension age sooner, it will likely affect poorer people more, as many of them rely heavily on the state pension and may not live as long as wealthier individuals. Because the state pension is the same for everyone, those who live shorter lives could end up getting less from the system overall.
Selby also said the government may not want to raise the pension age now, as it could lead to public anger—just like the recent backlash to means-testing the Winter Fuel Payment. But at some point, a decision must be made about how much the state pension should be and how long people should receive it.
How to Check Your Pension Age
If you’re unsure when you’ll receive your state pension, you can check your personal pension age on the UK government’s official website at: gov.uk
Rising life expectancy and the increasing cost of state pensions are major issues for the UK government. Experts believe the age for receiving a state pension might be increased to 68 sooner than expected, especially if public finances remain weak. While this move may help save money for the government, it could also hit low-income workers the hardest. Keeping an eye on policy updates and planning ahead is important for those currently working in the UK.
FAQ
When will the UK state pension age increase to 68?
Currently, the plan is to raise the state pension age to 68 between 2044 and 2046. However, experts say this could happen earlier due to rising life expectancy and financial pressure.
What is the current state pension age in the UK?
The state pension age is currently 66 and is scheduled to rise to 67 between 2026 and 2028.
Why might the pension age be raised sooner?
Because people are living longer and the cost of pensions is rising, the government may consider raising the pension age to reduce financial strain on public funds.
Will this change affect all UK workers?
Yes, any changes to the pension age will affect most UK workers, though it may hit poorer individuals harder due to shorter life expectancy.
Where can I check my UK state pension age?
You can check your expected state pension age on the UK government website at https://www.gov.uk/state-pension-age.
