The State Pension age is set to rise from 66 to 67 next year, with the transition expected to be completed for all men and women across the UK by 2028
The UK Government has revealed plans for the third independent review of the State Pension age, set to take place in July 2025. This review will evaluate whether the current pensionable age regulations are still appropriate, using the latest life expectancy data and other evidence.
The State Pension age is due to start rising from 66 to 67 next year, with this change expected to be completed for all men and women across the UK by 2028. The planned changes to the official retirement age have been law since 2014, with a further increase from 67 to 68 scheduled for implementation between 2044 and 2046.
A key milestone in the review was recently reached when the call for evidence to identify the main factors the UK Government should consider when setting the future State Pension age ended on October 24. Pension experts have warned that it’s crucial the independent report takes into account an ageing population, private savings levels and ensures it strikes a balance between fairness, adequacy and sustainability,reports the Daily Record.
They also suggest that individuals should be given at least 12 years’ notice before any State Pension increases, allowing them to plan accordingly. Another recommendation proposes that people should have the option to “take it a little early, subject to a reduction in yearly amount to make it financially fair”.
Steven Cameron, Pensions Director at Aegon UK, remarked: “The third independent review into the State Pension age is exploring how changes in life expectancy, along with other factors, should be reflected in future changes to the State Pension age. The State Pension Age is increasing to 67 by 2028, with a further increase to 68 pencilled in for the early 2040s.
“Alongside private and workplace pensions, millions of people rely on the State Pension as the bedrock for their retirement income. But this very valuable benefit comes at a high cost, covered on a ‘pay as you go basis’ from taxes and National Insurance of today’s workers.
“The overall State Pension costs depend on how many years people receive it for. When life expectancy is improving, there’s always pressure to increase the State Pension Age. But the other key factor is the yearly amount, which is currently increased each year in line with the Triple Lock. Life expectancy is one, but not the only factor, to take into account.”
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He continued: “The Government instructed the review to assume the Triple Lock will continue indefinitely. This will add pressure to increase the State Pension age further and faster, despite needing to be reformed at some point to stop state pensions eventually catching up with average earnings. We’ve urged the review team to look at different scenarios here.
“An increase in life expectancy across the population can hide many disparities between groups based on individuals’ health. It’s also recognised that average life expectancy varies hugely between different parts of the country, reflecting different socio-economic conditions and opportunities.
“Those with the lowest life expectancies suffer most from an increase in State Pension Age – having to wait an extra year is a bigger loss if you have say 5 years to live, compared to someone with 30 years ahead.”
The independent review will also consider whether Britain should follow the lead of some other countries by bringing in an ‘Automatic Adjustment Mechanism’ for State Pension age. Cameron warns that this would take decisions away from politicians, saying “this needs to be treated with caution”.
He continued: “The Triple Lock automatically adjusts the State Pension amount, so a further mechanism that automatically adjusted the State Pension age would leave future governments with very little means of controlling future costs. The age at which you can draw your State Pension has a huge impact on individual retirement plans, even for those with substantial private or workplace pensions.
“We believe people should be given at least 12 years’ notice before any increases, so they can plan ahead. We also believe that if the State Pension age increases further, people should be given the option to take it a little early, subject to a reduction in yearly amount to make it financially fair.”
Check your State Pension age online
Your State Pension age is the earliest age you can start receiving your State Pension. It may be different to the age you can get a workplace or personal pension.
The online tool at GOV.UK allows individuals of all ages to check their State Pension age, which can be a crucial part of retirement planning.
You can use the State Pension age tool to check:
- When you will reach State Pension age
- When you will be eligible for free bus travel
- Your Pension Credit qualifying age
Check your State Pension age online here.
