The state pension age is gradually being increased. What is the current state pension age? How often is it reviewed?
This is a freeview 'At a glance' guide to the state pension age: what is the new state pension age?
The table below summarises current state pension ages:
|
Your date of birth |
Current state pension age |
|
On or before 5 April 1960 |
66 |
|
Between 6 April 1960 and 5 April 1977 |
Between 66 years and 1 month, and 67 years, depending on your date of birth |
|
Between 6 April 1977 and 5 April 1978 |
Between 67 years and 1 month, and 67 years 11 months and one day, depending on your date of birth |
|
On or after 6 April 1978 |
68 |
Reviewing the state pension age
The government is required by the Pensions Act 2014 to review the state pension age every six years.
The most recent review, published in March 2023, confirms that:
- The increase to the state pension age from 66 to 67 remains appropriate and will take place between 2026 and 2028.
- The government plans to undertake a further review within two years of the next parliament to consider increasing the state pension age to 68. At present, this increase is expected between 2044 and 2046.
- The government remains committed to the principle of 10 years' notice of changes to the state pension age.
See State Pension age review 2023
Filling in gaps in your NI record: current deadline 5 April 2025
- If you have gaps in your National Insurance (NI) record you may not qualify for the full state pension when you reach the qualifying retirement age.
- HMRC normally allow voluntary contributions to fill any gaps, to be made for up to 6 years after the year end that the contributions relate to, for example, voluntary contributions relating to 2024-25, can be made up to 5 April 2031.
- Due to the increase in state pension age, the government has allowed an extension to the six-year rule and is currently accepting voluntary contributions covering NI gaps in the years from 6 April 2006 to 5 April 2018.
If you wish to fill in any gaps for the period covered by the extension, you must do so before 5 April 2025. After this date, the rules will revert back to the six-year deadline.
If you think you may be affected, you should:
- Check your NI position using HMRC's online service or via the HMRC mobile app.
- Make a payment via HMRC's online service before 5 April 2025 to cover any gaps.
See NICs Top Ups: National Insurance Contributions
Useful guides on this topic
Pensions: Tax rules and planning
What tax rules apply to pensions? What tax relief is available? What tax charges can arise? What planning opportunities are there?
Pensions: Tax charge for excess contributions
When does a tax charge arise for excess pension contributions? What are taxpayers' responsibilities under Self Assessment?
Pension contributions: Personal or company?
Is it more tax efficient to pay pension contributions personally or via your own company?
External link
GOV.UK: Check your State Pension age
Section 27 Pensions Act 2014: Periodic review of rules about pensionable age
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