Overview

• People born between 6 April 1960 and 5 March 1961 are being asked to use the GOV.UK checker to confirm when they can claim the State Pension.
• The State Pension age is set in law to increase from 66 to 67 in a phased rollout from May 2026 to March 2028, with letters to be sent to those affected.
• A formal review of the pension age is under way led by independent reviewer Dr Suzy Morrissey with Government Actuary’s Department analysis, and any changes would require Parliament’s approval.
• DWP projections show State Pension spending rising from £146 billion in 2025/26 to £169 billion by 2029/30, highlighting mounting fiscal pressure.
• Experts have floated future options such as lifting the age toward 70 or freezing payments and widening Pension Credit, while the RMT union warns it would oppose any major increase with protests.