The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging individuals born between specific dates to verify their State Pension eligibility through the online checker on GOV.UK.
With the upcoming changes to the State Pension age and the transition from 66 to 67 starting next year, it’s essential for those planning their retirement to stay informed.
State Pension Age Changes and Future Projections
The State Pension age is set to increase gradually, transitioning from 66 to 67 by 2028. This increase, established by the Pensions Act 2014, is part of an effort to align the pension age for both men and women across the UK.
Additionally, a further rise in the State Pension age, from 67 to 68, is expected between 2044 and 2046.
The government’s decision to implement this increase was initially scheduled in 2014, with reviews every five years as mandated by law.
A review of the proposed rise to 68 is expected before the end of this decade, and the government will consider factors like life expectancy and other relevant aspects before deciding to move forward.
When Will Your State Pension Age Be?
The DWP has highlighted that people born between 6 April 1960 and 5 March 1961 should verify their State Pension age using the GOV.UK online checker. For instance:
- Born on 6 April 1960: You will reach the State Pension age of 66 on 6 May 2026.
- Born on 5 March 1961: You will reach the State Pension age of 67 on 5 February 2028.
These dates represent the moment you are eligible to start receiving your State Pension, which may vary depending on your birthdate and other factors.
How to Check Your State Pension Age Online
Anyone, regardless of age, can use the GOV.UK online tool to check their State Pension age. This tool is a helpful resource for retirement planning, and it can provide you with:
- The date when you will reach State Pension age.
- Your Pension Credit qualifying age.
You can check your State Pension age here
State Pension Payment Rates for 2025/26
The new State Pension and Basic State Pension amounts for 2025/26 are as follows:
- Full New State Pension:
- Weekly payment: £230.25
- Four-weekly payment: £921
- Annual amount: £11,973
- Full Basic State Pension:
- Weekly payment: £176.45
- Four-weekly payment: £705.80
- Annual amount: £9,175
Future Increases to the State Pension
The Labour Government has pledged to maintain the Triple Lock on State Pension increases throughout its term. The following are the forecasted increases for future years:
- 2025/26: 4.1%
- 2026/27: 2.5%
- 2027/28: 2.5%
- 2028/29: 2.5%
- 2029/30: 2.5%
Impact of the State Pension on Taxes
For pensioners, understanding how the State Pension affects taxes is crucial. The Personal Allowance, which is the amount of income you can earn before paying income tax, will remain fixed at £12,570 for the 2025/26 financial year.
Pensioners who rely entirely on the State Pension will not be taxed. However, if you have additional income, you may need to pay tax.
Taxes are paid retrospectively, which means that if your total income in the 2025/26 fiscal year exceeds the tax-free allowance, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will not issue a tax bill until July 2026.
How to Get the Full New State Pension
To receive the full New State Pension, individuals need at least 35 qualifying years of National Insurance (NI) contributions.
If you don’t have 35 years of contributions, you may be able to “top up” your NI record by paying for missing years. However, the process can be expensive, and it’s important to assess whether it’s worth the investment based on how much longer you plan to work.
You can check and fill any gaps in your NI contributions by logging into your personal tax account or using the HMRC app.
The government’s online National Insurance payments service, launched in April, allows individuals to view and pay for missing contributions directly through digital channels.
With the State Pension age changes coming soon and the government’s focus on ensuring pensioners receive the correct payments, it’s important for individuals to verify their State Pension eligibility.
Whether you are approaching retirement or already retired, checking your State Pension age and understanding the payment rates and tax implications is crucial for effective retirement planning. The online tools provided by GOV.UK make it easier than ever to stay informed.
FAQs
How can I check my State Pension age?
You can check your State Pension age online using the GOV.UK tool. It will tell you when you will reach your State Pension age and whether you qualify for Pension Credit.
When will the State Pension age increase?
The State Pension age will increase from 66 to 67 by 2028, with future increases to 68 expected between 2044 and 2046.
How much will I receive from the State Pension in 2025?
In 2025/26, the Full New State Pension will be £230.25 per week, and the Full Basic State Pension will be £176.45 per week.
Will I be taxed on my State Pension?
If your State Pension is your only income, you won’t be taxed. However, if you have additional income, you may be liable for taxes.
How can I top up my State Pension if I have missing National Insurance contributions?
You can log into your personal tax account or the HMRC app to check for gaps in your National Insurance record and find out how to pay for missing years online.
