What is the State Pension age UK 2025?

Currently 66 for both men and women. It's scheduled to rise to 67 between 2026 and 2028, then to 68 between 2044 and 2046 under current law. The government reviews these dates periodically and may bring changes forward.

How do I find out my State Pension age?

Use the official gov.uk State Pension age calculator. Enter your date of birth and sex — it tells you the exact date you reach State Pension age. You can also check via your Government Gateway account which shows your pension forecast.

Can I get my State Pension early UK?

No — you cannot claim State Pension before reaching State Pension age. Unlike workplace pensions (55+, rising to 57), State Pension has no early access option. You must wait until your specific State Pension age date.

What happens if I keep working past State Pension age?

You can defer your State Pension by not claiming it. You get extra pension: approximately 1% more for every 9 weeks you defer (about 5.8% extra per year). You can work and claim your pension simultaneously — there's no earnings limit.

State Pension Age UK — When Can You Claim? | PocketWise

Your State Pension age determines when you can claim. Here’s how to find yours and understand upcoming changes.

Read more: See our State Pension guide for a complete overview of this topic.

Current State Pension Age

As of 2025

Status	Age
Current SPA	66
Both men and women	Same age
Reached gradually	Previous changes complete

Historical Changes

Period	Men	Women
Before 2010	65	60
2010-2018	65	Rising to 65
2018-2020	Rising to 66	Rising to 66
November 2020+	66	66

Future Changes

Scheduled Increases

Period	New SPA
2026-2028	Rising to 67
2044-2046	Rising to 68

Timeline to 67

Birth Date	SPA
Before 6 April 1960	66
6 April 1960 - 5 May 1960	66 + 1 month
6 May 1960 - 5 June 1960	66 + 2 months
6 June 1960 - 5 July 1960	66 + 3 months
… continues monthly…
6 March 1961 onwards	67

Timeline to 68

Birth Date	SPA
Before 6 April 1977	67
6 April 1977 - 5 May 1977	67 + 1 month
… continues monthly…
6 April 1978 onwards	68

Accelerated Changes Possible

Government Reviews

Factor	Consideration
Life expectancy	Rising (or not)
Affordability	Cost to state
Fairness	Across generations
Regular review	Every 5 years

Potential Changes

Proposal (Not Yet Law)	Possible Impact
Earlier rise to 68	Perhaps 2030s
Further increase to 69	Long-term
Different criteria	Beyond just age

What to Do

Action	Why
Check official calculator	Current law
Plan flexibly	Changes possible
Build private pension	Don’t rely solely on state
Stay informed	Monitor announcements

How to Check Your Age

Official Calculator

Method	Details
gov.uk calculator	Official
Needs	Date of birth, sex
Shows	Exact SPA date
Free	No cost

State Pension Forecast

Service	What It Shows
gov.uk login	Personal forecast
Current estimate	Weekly amount
NI record	Years qualifying
SPA	Your specific date

Getting Your Forecast

Step	Action
1	Go to gov.uk/check-state-pension
2	Log in or create account
3	Verify identity
4	View forecast

Deferring State Pension

How Deferral Works

Element	Details
Don’t claim at SPA	Simply wait
Pension increases	With each week
Current rate	~1% per 9 weeks
Annual increase	~5.8%

Deferral Calculation

Defer For	Extra Pension (%)
1 year	~5.8%
2 years	~11.6%
3 years	~17.4%
5 years	~29%

Example

Scenario	Amount
Standard pension	£221.20/week
Defer 1 year	+£12.83/week
New weekly pension	£234.03/week
Extra annually	£667

Is Deferral Worth It?

Factor	Consider
Break-even	~17 years of payments
If defer 1 year	Takes ~17 years to recoup
Health	Life expectancy
Need income	Now vs later
Tax	Higher pension = more tax

Working Past State Pension Age

Your Options

Choice	Outcome
Stop work, claim pension	Standard approach
Continue work, claim pension	Both incomes
Continue work, defer pension	Higher pension later

No Earnings Limit

Rule	Details
Can earn any amount	No reduction
Pension not affected	By work income
Both taxable	Combined income
NI stops	No longer payable

Tax Considerations

Combined Income	Tax
Pension taxable	Added to earnings
Higher band possible	If earnings + pension high
Personal allowance	Still applies
Plan for	Potential higher tax

National Insurance Requirements

Qualifying Years

To Get	Years Needed
Any State Pension	10 qualifying years
Full State Pension	35 qualifying years
Current full amount	£221.20/week (2025/26)

Building NI Record

Way to Qualify	Details
Employment	NI contributions
Self-employment	Class 2 NI
National Insurance credits	Certain benefits
Voluntary contributions	Fill gaps

Checking Your Record

Action	How
Check online	gov.uk/check-state-pension
View gaps	Any missing years
Fill gaps	Voluntary contributions
Deadline	Usually 6 years back

Relationship to Other Pensions

Comparison

Pension Type	Access Age
State Pension	SPA (66 rising)
Workplace pension	55 (rising to 57 in 2028)
Personal pension	55 (rising to 57)
SIPP	55 (rising to 57)

Bridge the Gap

Strategy	Approach
Retire at 55	Private pension only
From 57	Private pension
From SPA	Add State Pension
Plan both	Income through retirement

Planning Points

What to Consider

Factor	Action
Know your SPA	Check now
Years to SPA	Plan income bridge
NI record	Check and fill gaps
Private pension	Build alongside

Timeline Planning

Your Age Now	SPA In
55	~11 years (if SPA 66)
50	~16-17 years
40	~26-28 years
30	~36-38 years

Summary

Key Facts	Details
Current SPA	66
Rising to 67	2026-2028
Rising to 68	2044-2046 (may change)
Can defer	~5.8% extra per year
Can work	And claim, no limit

Action Checklist	Status
Check your SPA	□
View pension forecast	□
Check NI record	□
Fill any gaps	□
Plan bridge to SPA	□

State Pension Age UK — When Can You Claim?

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