The current timetable
| Date of birth | State Pension age |
|---|---|
| 6 October 1954 – 5 April 1960 | 66 |
| 6 April 1960 – 5 March 1961 | 66 plus 1 to 11 months, depending on birth month |
| 6 March 1961 – 5 April 1977 | 67 |
| From 6 April 1977 | Legislated to rise to 68 between 2044 and 2046 (under review) |
The table summarises legislation as described on GOV.UK in October 2026. Men and women now have the same State Pension age.
Worked example: born in May 1960
Someone born on 15 May 1960 falls in the band for people born between 6 May and 5 June 1960, whose State Pension age is 66 years and 2 months. They reach State Pension age on 15 July 2026. A friend born on 15 March 1961 is in the 67 band and reaches State Pension age on 15 March 2028.
Small differences in birth date can move State Pension age by months, which also moves the start of any break-even calculation for voluntary National Insurance.
Why it matters for voluntary NI
Voluntary contributions only help if they increase the pension you will actually receive. A later State Pension age gives you more working years to build qualifying years naturally, so a gap that looks important at 55 may be filled by future work or NI credits before you reach State Pension age. Your State Pension forecast already assumes you keep contributing until then.
The break-even period also starts at State Pension age, not when you pay. Paying at 58 for a pension that starts at 67 means nine years before the first extra payment.
Common mistakes
- Assuming everyone retires at 66. Most people born after 5 March 1961 reach State Pension age at 67.
- Confusing State Pension age with the minimum age for private pensions, which is a separate rule.
- Treating the 68 timetable as fixed: it is legislated but the government reviews it.
Frequently asked questions
Is State Pension age the same for men and women?
Yes. Since 2018 the State Pension age has been the same for men and women.
When does State Pension age rise to 67?
For people born on or after 6 March 1961 (and before 6 April 1977), State Pension age is 67. People born between 6 April 1960 and 5 March 1961 have a State Pension age between 66 and 67.
Will State Pension age rise to 68?
Current legislation raises it to 68 between 2044 and 2046 for people born from 6 April 1977. The government reviews the timetable, so check GOV.UK for the latest position.
Sources
Figures are for the 2026/27 tax year and were checked against GOV.UK on 31 October 2026.