From 6 April 2028, you will no longer be able to access your pension at 55. The minimum age rises to 57 — a two-year gap that affects everyone currently planning to retire or draw pension income in their mid-50s. Here’s what you need to know.
The Key Dates
| Date | What changes |
|---|---|
| Before 6 April 2028 | Minimum pension access age: 55 |
| 6 April 2028 onwards | Minimum pension access age: 57 |
| Future (2044–2046 approx.) | Likely to rise to 58 when State Pension age reaches 68 |
The change was legislated in the Finance Act 2022 and affects all registered pension schemes in the UK — defined contribution, SIPP, SSAS, and most defined benefit schemes.
Who is Affected
The change affects you if:
- You had planned to access any pension between ages 55 and 56 after April 2028
- You are currently 53 or 54 and assumed you could access your pension at 55
- You are building a pension pot specifically for early retirement at 55
Not affected:
- Anyone who accesses their pension before 6 April 2028
- Anyone with a protected pension age (see below)
- Anyone accessing pension under ill-health early retirement rules
Protected Pension Age — Keeping Access at 55
Some pension scheme members retain the right to access their pension at age 55 (or even earlier in certain occupations) after April 2028. This is known as a protected pension age.
Who Has Protection?
Protection applies if, as of 11 February 2021, your scheme’s rules contained an unqualified right for members to access their pension before age 57.
Schemes most likely to have protected pension ages include:
- Some firefighter pension schemes
- Some police schemes
- Some armed forces schemes
- Certain older occupational insurance schemes
The Critical Rule — Don’t Transfer
Protection is scheme-specific. If you transfer out of a protected scheme to a new pension provider, you almost certainly lose the protection. Your new pension will follow the standard rules (age 57 from 2028).
If you believe you have a protected pension age:
- Contact your pension scheme administrator and ask for written confirmation
- Do not consolidate or transfer this pension without taking financial advice
- Keep records of your scheme membership
Practical Impact by Age (April 2026)
| Your age now | Your situation |
|---|---|
| 56+ | Can access pension at 55 now if you choose — no impact from 2028 change |
| 55 | Can access pension now before April 2028 while rules allow |
| 54 | Will turn 55 before April 2028 — still able to access at 55 if you do so before that date |
| 53 | Will turn 55 in April 2028 or later — directly affected — must wait until 57 |
| 50 or under | Planned retirement at 55 is no longer possible without a protected pension age |
Planning Ahead if You Wanted to Retire at 55
If your original plan was to retire at 55, you have several options:
Option 1: Use ISA and Investment Savings to Bridge the Gap
Your ISA and GIA (general investment account) savings can be accessed at any age. If you have two years between age 55 and 57, consider building an ISA bridge:
- Maximise your ISA each year before retirement
- Use ISA income and capital to fund ages 55–56
- Draw pension income from age 57 onwards
Option 2: Adjust Your Target Retirement Age to 57
Many people planning for 55 can adjust to 57 with modest changes:
- Two more years of employer pension contributions
- Two more years of tax-free growth inside the pension
- A slightly larger pot than originally planned
Option 3: Use Pension Year of Crystallisation Planning
If you turn 55 before April 2028, you can put your pension into drawdown before the rules change — with a genuine intention to draw income. Seek advice on the specific rules for crystallisation before the change.
What You Can Still Do at 55
Until 5 April 2028, the following are still available at age 55:
- Take the 25% tax-free cash lump sum
- Move pension into flexi-access drawdown
- Buy an annuity
- Take a UFPLS (uncrystallised funds pension lump sum)
If you have a pension and are turning 55 before April 2028, there may be value in reviewing your options now.
Ill-Health Exception
At any age, if you have serious ill-health or are terminally ill, you may be able to access your pension early regardless of the NMPA rules. The rules vary by scheme — contact your provider or seek financial advice.