State Pension age changes
From 2010 the state Pension age for women will increase gradually to 65. This is to bring it into line with the State Pension age for men. It also reflects women’s changed role in the workplace in recent years, and the fact that people are living longer than average. The State Pension age for women born after 5 April 1955 will be 65.
Further changes will be introduced from April 2024, when the State Pension age for everyone born after 5 April 1959 will also increase. The State Pension age for both men and women is to increase from 65 to 68 between 2024 and 2046, with each change phased in over two consecutive years in each decade. The first increase, from 65 to 66, will be phased in between April 2024 and April 2026; the second, from 66 to 67, will be phased in between April 2034 and April 2036; and the third, from 67 to 68, between April 2044 and April 2046.
Our State Pension age calculator will tell you the date you will reach State Pension age.
The effect of State Pension age changes on other benefits
The changes to State Pension age will also affect other benefits. The age to which you can get certain benefits, such as Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support or Employment and Support Allowance, will increase in line with the increase in State Pension age. The minimum age for claiming benefits such as Pension Credit and Winter Fuel Payments will also increase in line with the State Pension age. You will still need to meet the necessary conditions to claim any benefits.
The effect of State Pension age changes on work or private pensions
The State Pension age changes do not affect when you can claim a work or private pension. You may be able to claim some (or all) of these when you are aged 60 or before. It is best to contact your employer, previous employer or pension provider to find out when you can claim your pension from them.
State Pension age and retirement
When you reach State Pension age you do not have to retire you can claim your State Pension later and get more State Pension each week. If you have put off getting your State Pension for at least 12 months continuously you can get a one-off taxable lump-sum payment. Please see information on State Pension deferral for more details.