Your State Pension age is the earliest age you can claim your State Pension. It used to be 65 for men and 60 for women. It has risen, and it depends on when you were born.
The timetable
For people born on or after 6 October 1954, the age is set by your date of birth:
| Born | State Pension age |
|---|---|
| 6 October 1954 to 5 April 1960 | 66 |
| 6 April 1960 to 5 March 1961 | 66 plus 1 to 11 months |
| 6 March 1961 to 5 April 1977 | 67 |
| On or after 6 April 1977 | 68 under current law |
Between April 1960 and March 1961 the age rises one month at a time. Someone born between 6 April and 5 May 1960 reaches it at 66 and 1 month. Someone born between 6 February and 5 March 1961 reaches it at 66 and 11 months.
If you were born before 6 October 1954, different rules apply that depend on your sex and exact date of birth. Use the State Pension age tool on GOV.UK.
Find your date
Use our State Pension age calculator. It gives your age, the exact date you reach it and how long you have left.
Can the age change?
Yes. The government reviews State Pension age regularly. The rise to 68 for people born on or after 6 April 1977 is what current law says, but it could be changed. If you are younger, treat 68 as the current position, not a promise.
You cannot claim early
You cannot claim your State Pension before your State Pension age. Workplace and private pensions have their own rules and often allow access earlier.
You need to claim it
The State Pension is not paid automatically. You normally need to claim it. GOV.UK explains how.
Planning around it
- Work out the gap. If you plan to stop work before State Pension age, you will need other income to bridge the years.
- Check your forecast. See how much you are on track to get and which National Insurance years count. Our State Pension calculator gives a quick estimate, and the official forecast is on GOV.UK.
- Know your rate. The full new State Pension is £241.30 a week in 2026/27.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Check your State Pension age
- GOV.UK: State Pension age timetable
- GOV.UK: New State Pension, what you'll get
This article is for education and is not financial, tax or legal advice. Figures are checked against the sources above and may change. Read the full disclaimer.