It’s no secret the UK’s state pension age has been inching upward, but the latest reviews suggest the shift to 68 could hit much sooner than planned. What was penciled in for the 2040s might land in the mid-2030s. For anyone born after 1970, that’s a hard jolt — the finish line keeps moving, and fast.
Why the Pension Age Keeps Rising
The government’s case is simple, at least on paper. People are living longer, healthier lives, and the state can’t bankroll 30 years of retirement without blowing a hole in public finances. According to the 2023 State Pension Age Review, the policy aim is to keep the share of adult life spent in retirement relatively constant.
Back in the 1980s, a retiree could expect 20 years of pension payments. Today, with life expectancy north of 80, that figure risks stretching to 30 years. Multiply that by millions of pensioners, and the fiscal math gets ugly. State pensions already cost over £100 billion annually, and every extra year of eligibility adds billions more.
A one-year increase in the pension age? That alone shaves billions off the bill.
Who Will Be Affected First
The current law sets the state pension age at 67 by 2028, then 68 by 2046. But the review hints that those dates could be dragged forward — hitting people in their 40s the hardest.
| Birth Date Range | Current Law | Possible Future Change |
|---|---|---|
| Before April 1970 | 67 by 2028 | Unlikely to change |
| April 1970 – March 1978 | 68 by 2046 | Could be 68 by mid-2030s |
| April 1978 – onwards | 68+ | May rise beyond 68 |
In other words, if you’re born in the late 70s or 80s, don’t count on retiring at 67. The state pension age may be outpacing you.
The Hidden Impact on Different Workers
Not all jobs are created equal. A software developer working from home might manage into their late 60s. A nurse, bricklayer, or warehouse worker? The strain is real. For physically demanding roles, tacking on a few more years can feel impossible.
Lower-income workers face a double hit: they’re more reliant on the state pension and less likely to have hefty private savings to cushion the delay. Employers will also have to step up, offering health support, retraining, and flexible arrangements to keep older workers in the fold.
Why You Can’t Rely on the State Pension Alone
As of April 2025, the full new state pension pays £221.20 per week (around £11,500 per year). That’s if — and only if — you’ve built a full National Insurance record. Even then, it’s far from a cushy retirement.
This means workplace pensions, ISAs, investments, and other savings aren’t optional extras anymore — they’re essential.
Smart Moves to Prepare Now
- Boost contributions early: Compound growth is your best friend if you start in your 30s or 40s.
- Diversify income sources: ISAs, rental property, dividend stocks — multiple streams reduce risk.
- Reskill for flexibility: Shifting into less physical work later on could be your lifeline.
- Check your NI record: Gaps can reduce your entitlement. Fill them in if possible.
The Bigger Picture
Raising the state pension age isn’t just a budget tweak — it rewrites how people think about work, ageing, and retirement itself. On paper, the jump from 67 to 68 is “just one year.” In reality, that’s thousands of extra workdays before you can clock out for good.
For those in their 40s and younger, the writing’s on the wall: retirement will look different than it did for your parents. Planning ahead isn’t optional. It’s survival.
FAQs:
What is the current UK state pension age?
It’s set to rise to 67 by 2028 and 68 by 2046 under current legislation.
Could the age rise earlier than 2046?
Yes. Reviews suggest the change to 68 could land in the mid-2030s.
How much is the full state pension in 2025?
£221.20 per week, or around £11,500 annually, assuming a full NI record.
