Fri, 03 Apr 2026
The age at which people can start receiving the state pension is going up in stages over the next two years.
The state pension age will rise to 67, starting from Monday, affecting millions of people. Currently at 66, the age will increase in stages over two years. Those born between April 6 and May 5, 1960, will have to wait an extra month for their pension.
The move is designed to reflect increased life expectancy, with many anticipating working into their 70s. However, the government is still reviewing further rises.
For Peter Bradbury, aged 66 and eight months, the change means he'll continue working and won't be able to travel as much as he wanted. He's frustrated by the delay in receiving his pension, which was previously expected at 65.
Some younger attendees at a guitar group in Liverpool think the pension age will rise even further in years to come. Laura Williams, 38, expects to receive her pension around 70 and is worried about her quality of life at that age.
The increase from 66 to 67 is predicted to save £10bn per year by 2030. The Treasury has also increased the state pension payment by 4.8% in line with average wages, under the triple lock policy.
However, charities have expressed concerns that the rise will disproportionately affect those on lower incomes and in areas where life expectancy is shorter. Official statistics suggest men in Wokingham can expect to live healthily until nearly 70, but for those in Blackpool, this age drops to around 52.
A senior research economist at the Institute for Fiscal Studies believes future increases should come alongside targeted financial support for those affected.
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