State Pension Age Checker
The UK state pension age is not the same for everyone. It is currently 66, but it is rising to 67 on a phased basis between 2026 and 2028, and a further rise to 68 has been proposed for younger workers. Enter your date of birth to find your exact state pension age and the specific date from which you can start claiming. Knowing this date is the starting point for all retirement planning, it determines how long you have to save and how long you might spend in retirement.
How state pension age is determined
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1Your date of birth determines your pension age
State pension age is set by legislation and is based entirely on when you were born. It applies equally to men and women, state pension ages were equalised at 65 in 2018, and have since risen to 66.
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2The age is rising in stages
State pension age increased from 65 to 66 between 2018 and 2020. A further rise to 67 is being phased in between 2026 and 2028. A rise to 68 has been proposed but is subject to review.
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3Your claim date is calculated to the day
Once your state pension age is established, your claim date is the same day of the month and year as your birthday, just with your pension age added to your birth year.
State pension age timetable
| Date of birth | State pension age |
|---|---|
| Before 6 March 1961 | 66 |
| 6 March 1961 to 5 April 1977 | 67 (phased in 2026 to 2028) |
| After 5 April 1977 | 68 (proposed, subject to review) |
What your state pension age means for planning
Your state pension age is the single most important date in your retirement plan. Everything else, how much you need to save privately, when you can afford to stop working, how long your pension pot needs to last, flows from this date.
You cannot claim early
Unlike private pensions, which can be accessed from age 55 (rising to 57 in April 2028), the state pension cannot be taken early under any circumstances. You receive it when you reach state pension age, or you can choose to defer it and receive a higher weekly amount later.
You can defer to increase your pension
If you choose not to claim at state pension age, your pension increases by roughly 1% for every nine weeks you defer, which works out at approximately 5.8% per year. There is no lump sum option available under the new state pension, only the higher weekly rate. The Pension Deferral Calculator shows you the numbers in detail.
Plan for a long retirement
Average life expectancy in the UK means many people spend 20 to 25 years or more in retirement. If you retire at 67 and live to 90, your pension pot needs to sustain you for over two decades. Knowing your state pension income is the foundation for calculating how much private saving you actually need.
Note on the rise to 68: The government has announced a review of the planned increase to state pension age 68. The date shown for those born after 5 April 1977 may change. Check gov.uk for the latest position.
Frequently asked questions
In 2025, state pension age is 66 for the majority of people currently reaching it. The rise to 67 begins in April 2026 and is phased in gradually until April 2028. If you were born before 6 March 1961, your state pension age is 66. If you were born between that date and 5 April 1977, your state pension age will be 67. Use the checker above to find your exact date.
The rise to 67 is being phased in between April 2026 and April 2028. People born on 6 March 1961 are the first affected, reaching state pension age at 67 in April 2028 rather than at 66. Those born progressively later within this window reach their pension age at dates spread between these two years. Everyone born from 6 April 1977 onwards will have a state pension age of at least 67.
No. The state pension cannot be claimed before your state pension age under any circumstances. This is different from private or workplace pensions, which can typically be accessed from age 55 (rising to 57 in April 2028). If you stop working before reaching state pension age, you will need to fund that gap from private savings, workplace pensions, or benefits until your state pension begins.
You have two options if you continue working past state pension age. You can claim your state pension and simply have it as additional income alongside your wage, or you can defer your claim and receive a higher weekly pension later. If you defer, your pension increases by approximately 1% for every nine weeks you delay, equivalent to around 5.8% per year. You also stop paying National Insurance contributions once you reach state pension age, regardless of whether you are working.
Yes, since November 2018, state pension ages have been equal for men and women. Before this, women's state pension age was lower. Women born between 6 April 1950 and 5 April 1953 saw their state pension age increase to 60 to 63 in the period leading up to equalisation. Anyone reaching state pension age from November 2018 onwards faces the same age regardless of gender.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for guidance purposes only based on current legislation. State pension ages are subject to change by government. It does not constitute financial advice. Always consult a regulated financial adviser for personal pension planning.