The state pension age rise from 66 to 67 continues in July 2026, affecting individuals born between May 6 and June 5, 1960. This group will now receive their state pension at age 66 years and 2 months, rather than at 66 as under previous rules. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) oversees these payments.
Phased Implementation of the State Pension Age Increase
The increase, enacted under the Pensions Act 2014, is being phased in over two tax years to avoid a 'cliff edge' for all pensioners aged 66. The first group, born between April 6 and May 5, 1960, began receiving their pension at 66 years and 1 month from May to June 2026. The second group, born May 6 to June 5, 1960, will receive theirs from July to August 2026 at 66 years and 2 months.
Subsequent monthly increments continue: those born June 6 to July 5, 1960, will get their pension at 66 years and 3 months (September to October 2026); those born July 6 to August 5, 1960, at 66 years and 4 months (November to December 2026). Pensioners born after August 5, 1960, will not receive their state pension until 2027 or 2028, with the final group reaching age 67 by 2028.
Government Guidance on the Phase-In
The government states: “The Pensions Act 2014 brought the increase in the state pension age from 66 to 67 forward by eight years. The state pension age for men and women will now increase to 67 between 2026 and 2028.” It further explains that instead of reaching state pension age on a specific date, those born between April 6, 1960, and March 5, 1961, will reach it at 66 years plus a specified number of months.
Future Review of State Pension Age
Separately, the government has announced an earlier-than-mandatory review of the state pension age. The last review was completed in 2023, and a new one is not required for six years. However, due to fiscal pressures, the next increase to age 68—currently scheduled for the 2040s—could be brought forward depending on the review's conclusions.
