Overview

• The Government and DWP say there are no plans to cut eligibility to 60 or peg the State Pension to the National Living Wage despite a petition.
• Eligibility will be phased from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028 for people born March 6, 1961 to April 5, 1977, with some facing waits of up to five months before first payment.
• Legislation schedules a rise to 68 in 2044–46, though the ongoing review could advise an earlier date, which would require parliamentary approval.
• The triple lock remains in place and is forecast to add about £31 billion a year to State Pension spending by the end of this Parliament.
• The full new State Pension rose 4.1% to £230.25 per week, as experts warn higher pension ages fall hardest on lower‑income groups and those leaving work early.