Overview

• From 2026 to 2028 the entitlement threshold moves from 66 to 67 in monthly steps, with those born on or after 6 April 1960 waiting at least one extra month and those born on or after 6 March 1961 reaching eligibility at 67.
• An independent statutory review led by Dr Suzy Morrissey with Government Actuary input is underway to reassess future timetables, with findings due in March 2029.
• The Office for Budget Responsibility says the triple lock now costs about £15.5bn a year versus earlier £5bn estimates, intensifying pressure on long‑term pension affordability.
• Economist Tom McPhail has argued for raising eligibility to about 75, while unions and experts warn higher ages would hit manual workers and regions with lower healthy life expectancy, with the RMT threatening protests over any drastic rise.
• Several working‑age DWP benefits stop at pension age — including starting PIP, Universal Credit, ESA and JSA — prompting guidance for people to check their state pension age and forecast tools as well as DWP letters; the legislated rise to 68 in 2044–46 remains in place, though any acceleration is speculative.