Overview
- The legislated increase moves the State Pension age from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028, with a later rise to 68 under review.
- HMRC reminds workers that National Insurance stops at State Pension age, that any NICs deducted in error can be reclaimed, and that employers may be shown proof of age or an HMRC letter to halt deductions.
- Self-employed people stop paying Class 4 NICs from the first 6 April after reaching State Pension age and their Class 2 contributions are no longer treated as paid.
- The DWP counts roughly 13 million current recipients and projects State Pension costs rising from £146bn in 2025/26 to £169bn by 2029/30, with a 4.8% uprating for 2026/27 confirmed under the Triple Lock the government says it will uphold.
- Deferring a claim can lift annual payments by over £600, while entitlement requires at least 10 qualifying NI years and about 35 for the full new rate, with policy guidance stressing long notice for any future age changes.