What is the current UK state pension age and its planned increases?

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Current UK State Pension Age and Planned Increases

The current UK state pension age is 66. It is scheduled to increase to 67 between 2026 and 2028, and subsequently to 68 between 2044 and 2046. A decision on whether to accelerate the rise to 68 has been postponed by the government until after the next general election.
Existing Pension Age Schedule

The state pension age, which dictates the earliest point an individual can receive publicly funded pension payments, currently stands at 66 years old. This age is set to transition to 67 within the period of 2026 to 2028. Following this, a further increase to 68 is planned to take effect between 2044 and 2046.
Postponement of the Age 68 Review

The government has indicated that a decision regarding the acceleration of the state pension age to 68 will not be made until after the upcoming election, which is anticipated next year. This delay is attributed to the existing uncertainty surrounding projections for life expectancy, labour market dynamics, and the overall state of public finances.
Mandated Review Cycles

As per legislative requirements, the UK government is obligated to conduct a review of the state pension age every six years. This process ensures periodic assessment of the pension age in light of evolving demographic and economic factors. The most recent government-commissioned review in 2017 had proposed an earlier shift of the pension age to 68, suggesting a timeframe between 2037 and 2039.
Commitment to Existing Legislation

Mel Stride, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, has stated that the government intends to maintain the current schedule for the rise to age 67. However, the legislation concerning the increase to age 68 will not be altered before the conclusion of the next review, which is planned to occur within two years of the next parliamentary term.

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What is the current UK state pension age and its planned increases?

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