DWP State Pension Age Rises in 2026: Will You Be Affected if You’re 1961–1977 Born

If you were born in the swinging sixties or early seventies, the UK government just quietly moved the finish line on your retirement marathon. Starting August 2026, the State Pension age will begin climbing from 66 to 67 — a change that will hit millions of people squarely in their plans for a well-earned rest.

This isn’t some out-of-the-blue decision. Parliament signed off on it back in 2014, but with the date now less than a year away, it’s suddenly feeling very real for those approaching the home stretch.

Who’s Affected

The new age requirement covers anyone born between March 6, 1961, and August 5, 1977. That’s a huge swath of the workforce — from people who were dancing to Abba in college to those just a few years shy of Gen X. If you’re in that bracket, your State Pension clock won’t start ticking until you blow out 67 candles.

Here’s the kicker: the increase won’t happen overnight. It will roll out gradually between August 2026 and March 2028, inching up month by month.

Date Range of BirthState Pension AgeBefore 6 Mar 1961666 Mar 1961 – 5 Apr 1967Between 66 & 67 (phased)6 Apr 1967 – 5 Apr 197767

You can check your exact date using the government’s State Pension age calculator.

Why the Age Is Going Up

Back when the modern State Pension launched in 1948, life expectancy was about 66 years — barely long enough to collect a year’s worth of payments. Fast forward to today, and average life expectancy in the UK is over 80. Many people are drawing pensions for two decades or more.

That’s great news for health and longevity… but tough on the Treasury. The State Pension already costs over £100 billion a year, and with the over-65 population set to grow rapidly, the numbers don’t add up without either higher taxes, smaller payouts, or — you guessed it — later eligibility.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) says this is about “keeping the system sustainable” for future generations. Critics point out that while people are living longer on average, many are not living healthier — and delaying access could hit lower-income workers, manual labourers, and those in poor health hardest.

And There’s More on the Horizon

The rise to 67 is already locked in, but policymakers are eyeing age 68 next. Officially, that’s scheduled for between 2044 and 2046 — but recent chatter suggests it could be pulled forward, possibly to the late 2030s. There’s even speculative talk of 69, though no formal proposals exist.

The DWP reviews pension age every five years, and with a new Labour government settling in, a fresh review is on the cards. Translation: don’t assume the 67 mark will stay fixed for long.

Some Good News: The Pension Itself Is Rising

While you may have to wait longer to claim it, the State Pension will rise by 4.1% in August 2025, thanks to the Triple Lock guarantee. That mechanism ensures pensions increase each year by the highest of:

Wage growthInflation (CPI)2.5%

This bump means the full New State Pension will go up to £12,016.75 a year — about £231 a week — an extra £474.85 annually for those on the full rate.

Planning Ahead

If you’re in the affected group, you’ve got less than a year to factor this into your retirement strategy. That might mean:

Boosting private pension contributions while you canConsidering ISAs or other investments for income flexibilityReviewing your mortgage or debt timelines to match the new start dateLooking at phased retirement or part-time work options to bridge the gap

The bottom line: the earlier you adjust, the less painful the shift will feel.

As of August 2025, the increase from 66 to 67 is confirmed and written into law. It begins August 2026 and completes March 2028. Anyone claiming otherwise — like saying “it’s just a proposal” — is outdated.
The move to 68 is planned for the 2040s but may be brought forward; there’s no official legislation for age 69.

FAQsWhen does the State Pension age start rising?

August 2026, phased in until March 2028.

Who will be affected?

Anyone born between March 6, 1961, and August 5, 1977.

Is there already a plan for age 68?

Yes, scheduled for 2044–2046, but under review.

How much will the State Pension be in August 2025?

£12,016.75 per year, about £231 per week.

How can I check my State Pension age?

Use the official GOV.UK calculator.