The state pension age will begin increasing from 66 to 67 from April, with the phased transition scheduled to complete by March 2028.
People born between April 6, 1960 and March 5, 1961 will be affected by transitional arrangements that gradually extend the time before payments begin.
Someone born on April 7, 1960 will become eligible for the state pension one month after turning 66, while a person born on March 4, 1961 will wait an additional 11 months compared with current rules.
The change represents the first adjustment to the qualifying age since it reached 66, with further increases to 68 currently scheduled between 2044 and 2046.
Rising long-term costs linked partly to the triple lock mechanism have led to discussion about whether ministers could bring forward that timetable.
The state pension provides identical payments to individuals who have built up a full national insurance contributions record, although analysis indicates variations in lifetime payouts linked to life expectancy and regional factors.
Men living in more deprived areas typically die around 10 years earlier than those in more affluent locations, with women experiencing a slightly smaller difference.
These variations can affect overall lifetime pension income, with estimates suggesting an average man living in Glasgow would receive around £145,000 in total pension payments, while an average woman living in Kensington would receive about £274,200.
The phased transition scheduled to complete by March 2028
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David Finch, assistant director of healthy lives at the Health Foundation, said: “The onset of ill-health comes a couple of decades earlier in deprived areas.”
Health outcomes also vary significantly by location, with analysis suggesting a man living in Blackpool remains in good health until just after 51 on average, while a man in Richmond-upon-Thames remains healthy until close to 70.
The cost of funding the state pension continues to rise, with annual spending now approaching £150billion.
Long-term projections from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) suggest pension spending could rise from 4.8 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2022-23 to 8.1 per cent by 2071-72.
Health outcomes also vary significantly by areas of deprivation
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Population changes are expected to increase pressure on public finances, with projections indicating nearly one quarter of the population will be above state pension age by 2072, compared with under one fifth currently.
Average life expectancy continues to increase, with men aged 65 expected to live until 84 on average and women until 86.
Tom Selby, director of public policy at AJ Bell, said: “The longer politicians wait, the more painful the sting will become.”
The Government launched its third review of the state pension age in July 2025, commissioning two reports to support policy decisions.
Dr Suzy Morrissey, an independent expert, has been asked to assess which factors should influence future changes to the qualifying age, including balancing affordability and fairness considerations.
The Government Actuary’s Department is preparing updated life expectancy projections as part of the review process.
Both reports are expected later this year, after which ministers are expected to formally begin their review process.
Lucy Neville-Rolfe’s 2022 review recommended bringing forward the introduction of the age 68 threshold and suggested a potential increase to 69 between 2046 and 2048.
Industry experts have warned that transition periods can create financial planning challenges for individuals who have not accounted for changes to eligibility dates.
Individuals are having to work increasingly later in life
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Mr Selby said: “The state pension is the bedrock upon which millions of Brits build their retirement plans, but the sands are shifting.
“Good Government communications will be key over the coming months and years.”
People approaching retirement are typically contacted by the Department for Work and Pensions around one month before reaching eligibility, providing information on when and how to claim.
The Government also provides online tools that allow individuals to check their state pension age and forecast their expected entitlement.
Mr Selby said future increases to the qualifying age could be considered beyond current projections depending on demographic and fiscal pressures.
