State Pension Age Calculator
The State Pension age starts rising from 66 to 67 in May 2026. Enter your date of birth and see exactly when yours arrives.
State Pension Age Calculator
How the rise from 66 to 67 works
If you were born before 6 April 1960, nothing changes: your State Pension age is 66. If you were born between 6 April 1960 and 5 March 1961, you are in the transition group and reach State Pension age at 66 plus one to eleven months, one extra month for each birth month in the range. Born on or after 6 March 1961? Your State Pension age is 67.
The next rise, from 67 to 68, is currently legislated for 2044 to 2046 and would affect anyone born on or after 6 April 1977. The government reviews the timetable regularly and has openly discussed bringing it forward, so if you are in your forties, treat 68 as the floor rather than a promise.
What reaching State Pension age unlocks
The State Pension itself, obviously, but also the point where you can claim Pension Credit if your income is low (check our calculator, it takes 30 seconds and unlocks the Winter Fuel Payment among other things). In England it is also when the free older person's bus pass kicks in. Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and London are more generous: the bus pass starts at 60 there.
Worth knowing while you wait: plenty of discounts start at 60, not State Pension age. Iceland's 10% Tuesday discount and the Senior Railcard are both available from your 60th birthday, and we track every over 60s discount that does not make you wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the State Pension age right now?
It is currently 66 for both men and women, but it is rising. Between 6 May 2026 and 6 March 2028 it increases in stages to 67. Anyone born on or after 6 March 1961 will not get their State Pension until 67.
When does the State Pension age rise to 67?
The rise is phased between May 2026 and March 2028. People born between 6 April 1960 and 5 March 1961 reach State Pension age at 66 plus between 1 and 11 months, depending on their birth month. From 6 March 1961 onwards it is 67.
When does the State Pension age rise to 68?
Under current law the rise from 67 to 68 happens between 2044 and 2046, affecting people born on or after 6 April 1977. The government keeps this under review and has considered bringing it forward, so younger cohorts should treat 68 as a minimum.
Is the State Pension age the same for men and women?
Yes. Women’s State Pension age was equalised with men’s at 65 by November 2018, and both rose to 66 by October 2020. Every rise since applies to everyone equally.
Can I take my State Pension early?
No, there is no early access to the State Pension. You can defer it though: for every 9 weeks you put off claiming, it goes up by 1%, which works out at about 5.8% for a full year of deferral.
When do I get my free bus pass?
In England you get the older person’s bus pass at State Pension age. In Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and London you qualify from 60, regardless of the pension age rises.
How many National Insurance years do I need for a full State Pension?
You typically need 35 qualifying years of National Insurance for the full new State Pension, and at least 10 years to get anything at all. Check your NI record on GOV.UK well before pension age, as you can often fill gaps cheaply.
Based on the State Pension age timetable in current legislation (Pensions Acts 2007, 2011 and 2014). Timetables can change. Confirm your exact date with the official checker on GOV.UK before making retirement decisions.