The state pension age increase could come into effect seven years earlier than scheduled, reports suggest. While current legislation states it will increase to 68 between 2044 and 2046, it is now reported the government is planning to bring this forward to between 2037 and 2039.
The state pension age, which is currently 66 for both men and women, will rise to 67 between May 2026 and April 2028. Anyone born on or after April 6, 1960 will be impacted by the phased increase. Then, under the Pensions Act 2007, the state pension age is expected to rise again to 68 between 2044 and 2046, affecting those born on or after April 6, 1977. However, the current timetable could change sooner than planned.
As reported by Which?, the government must review the state pension age at least once every six years to make sure the rules remain appropriate. They consider a number of factors including life expectancy at that time.
A review of the state pension age is currently underway and it’s reported it could increase sooner than expected. It is believed the age could rise to 68 between 2037 and 2039, impacting people born between April 1970 and April 1977.
However, the Treasury said these reports are “untrue”. A spokesperson added: “The law remains to increase the state pension age to 68 in 2044.
“In July 2025, we announced the launch of the third review of the state pension age, which is required by legislation.”
If the state pension age rise to 68 is brought forward to 2037, the decision would need to be confirmed by 2027. Meanwhile, the outcome of the latest review is expected to be published by March 2029.
The state pension age is currently increasing from 66 to 67 with further legislated rises planned for the future. The timeline for changes depends on your date of birth.
Those born on or after April 6, 1960 will be phased in to the state pension age of 67 between April 2026 and April 2028. Meanwhile, those born on or after April 6, 1977 will be phased into the increase to 68 between April 2044 and April 2046.
Those born between April 6, 1960 and March 5, 1961 will have their state pension age calculated in internmediate months. They include: