On The Money State pension changes: are you prepared?
Mar 12, 2026
Craig Rickman, personal finance editor at interactive investor who specialises in pensions and retirement planning, breaks down rising state pension ages and who is affected. He explains the phased move to 67 and the potential delay for some claimants. The conversation covers plugging income gaps, the timetable toward 68, pressures on the system and whether the state pension could be reshaped in future.
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Phased Rise To State Pension Age 67
- The state pension age is rising from 66 to 67 and is being phased in between April this year and April 2028.
- Exact entitlement depends on your birthday within that window, with waits from one month up to 11 months after your 66th birthday.
Check Your Exact Claim Date And Plan For Shortfalls
- Check the government website for your exact state pension claim date if you're turning 66 soon.
- If the delay creates an income shortfall, consider using ISAs or pension pots to cover the gap or delay retirement.
Periodic Reviews Signal Further Age Increases
- Reviews under the Pensions Act 2014 occur every six years and have recommended bringing forward increases to age 68.
- The current review was started earlier than required, signalling the government treats raising the pension age as a pressing fiscal issue.