The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is encouraging individuals born between 6 April 1960 and 5 March 1961 to verify their State Pension eligibility using the official online checker available on GOV.UK. This initiative comes as the UK prepares for significant adjustments to the State Pension age, which will begin changing in 2026.
State Pension Age Changes: What to Expect
Under the Pensions Act 2014, the State Pension age will gradually increase from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028. This move ensures consistency across genders and reflects longer life expectancies in the UK.
Furthermore, the government has proposed a future rise from 67 to 68, anticipated to take place between 2044 and 2046, though a review of this proposal is due before the end of the decade. These reviews are carried out every five years to account for factors such as life expectancy and economic sustainability.
Key Dates for Those Born in 1960-1961
The DWP has specifically highlighted:
- Born 6 April 1960: Reach State Pension age (66) on 6 May 2026
- Born 5 March 1961: Reach State Pension age (67) on 5 February 2028
Since eligibility depends on your birthdate, the GOV.UK State Pension age checker is a valuable tool for finding your exact retirement date.
How to Use the State Pension Age Checker
Anyone can use the GOV.UK online tool to:
- Find out their exact State Pension age
- Check when they’ll qualify for Pension Credit
This tool is essential for effective retirement planning and understanding your financial future.
State Pension Payment Rates for 2025/26
If you’re nearing retirement, here’s what you can expect to receive annually starting April 2025:
| Type | Weekly | Four-Weekly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full New State Pension | £230.25 | £921 | £11,973 |
| Full Basic State Pension | £176.45 | £705.80 | £9,175 |
Future Increases Under the Triple Lock
The Labour Government has confirmed it will maintain the Triple Lock—ensuring the State Pension increases by the highest of inflation, wage growth, or 2.5%. Projected increases are:
- 2025/26: 4.1%
- 2026–2030: 2.5% annually
Tax Implications for Pensioners
The Personal Allowance for the 2025/26 financial year will remain at £12,570. If your only income is the State Pension, you won’t pay any income tax. However, any additional income could result in a tax bill, issued retrospectively by HMRC around July 2026.
How to Qualify for the Full New State Pension
To receive the full amount, you must have at least 35 qualifying years of National Insurance (NI) contributions.
If you have gaps in your NI record, you may:
- Check your NI record via your personal tax account or the HMRC app
- Top up missing years using the government’s online payment service, launched in April
Keep in mind that topping up may not always be financially worthwhile—consider your retirement timeline before paying.
Stay Informed and Plan Ahead
With pension reforms approaching, it’s vital to understand your retirement timeline and entitlements. Whether you’re nearing retirement or planning ahead, the tools and resources available at GOV.UK offer a clear path forward.
FAQs
Q: How do I check my State Pension age?
A: Use the GOV.UK State Pension age checker to see your exact age of eligibility.
Q: When will the State Pension age change?
A: The age will rise from 66 to 67 by 2028, with a future increase to 68 expected between 2044–2046.
Q: What will I get in 2025?
A: Full New State Pension: £230.25/week, Full Basic: £176.45/week.
Q: Will I be taxed on my pension?
A: Not if it’s your only income. If you earn more than £12,570, tax may apply.
Q: How can I top up my NI contributions?
A: Log in to your personal tax account or use the HMRC app to check and pay for missing years.
For more details and tools to support your retirement planning, visit GOV.UK.
