DWP State Pension age is set to increase to 67 on this Year: UK State Pension age is under review

If you’re approaching retirement age, you should be aware that the UK State Pension age is currently under review, with potential changes being considered by the government.

While the age is still set to increase to 67 between 2026 and 2028, further rises — including the proposed shift to 68 — are now uncertain due to slower improvements in life expectancy.

Why Is the State Pension Age Being Reviewed?

The government periodically reviews the State Pension age to ensure it remains fair, affordable, and sustainable for future generations. However, according to Pensions Minister Torsten Bell, a key issue influencing the latest review is the slower-than-expected growth in life expectancy.

Bell referred to the situation as a “slowdown in the pace of progress”, which not only affects retirement planning but also has wider implications for the healthcare system and public finances. This change in life expectancy trends has prompted a re-evaluation of when future generations should start claiming their State Pension.

Confirmed Plans: Pension Age Rising to 67

Currently, the State Pension age is scheduled to rise from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028. This plan remains unchanged and is already built into future retirement forecasts.

Anyone born after April 1960 should be aware that they may be affected by this change, depending on their exact date of birth.

What About the Move to 68?

The next planned increase — from 67 to 68 — is still under review. The previous Conservative government committed to giving at least 10 years’ notice before making any changes to the State Pension age, to allow people to plan their retirement properly.

Now under the Labour government, the next formal review is due in 2029, and any future changes will likely be based on updated data on life expectancy, population demographics, and financial forecasts.

Former Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Mel Stride highlighted the importance of keeping the State Pension system both fair and financially stable for future generations, acknowledging the need to balance cost with public expectations.

How Could This Affect You?

If you are currently in your 50s or early 60s, you should expect the State Pension age to reach 67 by 2028. However, if you are younger, particularly in your 40s or younger, it’s important to monitor the 2029 review closely, as any changes to raise the pension age to 68 — or delay it — could affect when you are eligible to receive State Pension payments.

Key points to consider:

• The rise to 67 is confirmed and will go ahead
• The rise to 68 is not yet final and could be delayed based on life expectancy data
• Planning your retirement age and savings strategy should take potential policy shifts into account

Why Life Expectancy Matters

The UK government uses life expectancy trends to decide how long people are likely to draw their pension. If people are expected to live longer, the pension age typically rises to keep the system financially sustainable.

However, recent data shows that life expectancy has not increased as previously forecast, prompting calls to delay any further increases in pension age until long-term trends become clearer.

The UK’s State Pension age will definitely rise to 67 by 2028, but the move to 68 remains uncertain and will be reassessed in the 2029 review. With life expectancy trends slowing and public finances under pressure, the government faces tough decisions in balancing retirement support with long-term sustainability.

If you’re planning for retirement, it’s crucial to stay updated on these reviews. Understanding how and when you can claim your pension helps with managing your finances, planning savings, and making informed decisions about your working life.

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