# State Pension age explained

> Pensions & retirement · Last updated 4 July 2026

Canonical HTML: https://moneyguide.org.uk/pensions/state-pension-age-guide/
Markdown mirror: https://moneyguide.org.uk/pensions/state-pension-age-guide.md

## Quick answer

State Pension age is rising in stages from 66 to 67 between April 2026 and April 2028. Your exact date depends on your date of birth; use the GOV.UK State Pension age checker.

## Who should skip this

Skip this page if you need a personal recommendation or a live quote. This is general UK information — confirm today's figures with the official source linked below.

State Pension age has risen several times since 2010. It affects when you can claim State Pension, when some workplace pensions pay out, and planning for retirement income. This guide explains the timetable, how to check your date and deferral rules.

## Key facts

- State Pension age is 66 if you were born before 6 April 1960 (with some earlier cohort exceptions)
- Born on or after 6 April 1960: SPA rises gradually to 67 — check your personal date online
- You do not receive State Pension automatically — claim up to four months before reaching SPA
- Deferring State Pension increases weekly amount by about 1% for every nine weeks deferred
- SPA is the same for men and women since November 2018 equalisation

## Current timetable

State Pension age is rising in stages from 66 to 67 between April 2026 and April 2028. Your exact date depends on your date of birth; use the GOV.UK State Pension age checker.

Those born between 6 April 1960 and 5 March 1961 reach SPA between 66 and 67 on a sliding scale. Younger cohorts face SPA 67 under current legislation.

Future rises to 68 are legislated but not yet in force for most — check gov.uk for law changes.

## Checking your date and claiming

Use the gov.uk State Pension age calculator with your date of birth — it shows the exact date you can claim.

Check your State Pension forecast at the same time to see how much you may receive based on NI record.

Claim online, by phone or post — payments start from the date you reach SPA if claimed promptly, not before.

## Deferral and workplace pensions

You can defer claiming State Pension — payments increase by roughly 1% for every nine weeks you delay, or take a lump sum if you deferred for at least 12 months (rules apply).

Some workplace pension schemes use State Pension age as the default retirement date — check your scheme booklet.

Accessing private pensions from age 55 (rising to 57 in 2028) is separate from State Pension age.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I retire before State Pension age?

Yes — but you need other income until State Pension starts. Workplace and personal pensions may pay from 55 (57 from 2028) under current rules.

### Will State Pension age rise again?

Legislation exists for a rise to 68 — timing depends on government reviews. Always check gov.uk for your cohort.

### Does SPA affect my bus pass?

In England, free bus pass age is linked to State Pension age for women but can differ for men in some areas — check your local council.

## Primary source

https://www.gov.uk/state-pension-age

## Related

- [State Pension explained](https://moneyguide.org.uk/pensions/state-pension-explained/)
- [How much is the full State Pension?](https://moneyguide.org.uk/answers/how-much-is-the-full-new-state-pension/)
- [Check State Pension forecast](https://moneyguide.org.uk/how-to/check-your-state-pension-forecast/)

---

Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.