DWP reminder to check State Pension age as rise to 67 begins

DWP reminder to check State Pension age as rise to 67 begins The State Pension age is gradually increasing from 66 to 67 Brits are being urged to check their State Pension age as the long-awaited increase from 66 to 67 is now under way. The change commenced in April and means people born in the early 1960s may not retire at 66, with their State Pension age instead determined by their date of birth. The State Pension age is rising from 66 to 67 between now and March 2028. Those born between April 6, 1960 and March 5, 1961 will have their retirement age pushed beyond 66, with the exact age depending on their birth date. For some, this could mean waiting several extra months before they can start receiving their State Pension. According to the Daily Record, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is encouraging those approaching retirement to confirm their State Pension age so they know exactly when they will be eligible, as payments do not begin automatically. The DWP stated: "Between April 2026 and March 2028, the State Pension age will gradually rise from 66 to 67, affecting those born on or after 6 April 1960. "Use the free State Pension age calculator on GOV.UK to find your exact age - you just need your date of birth. You can also use the Check your State Pension forecast tool to see how much you might get and if you can increase it, for example, by filling any gaps in your record." Another point is that the State Pension doesn't begin automatically - individuals must actively apply for it when they reach State Pension age. The Pension Service usually sends an invitation letter roughly four months before someone reaches their State Pension age, explaining how to make a claim. The DWP stated: "Remember, your State Pension doesn't start automatically. The Pension Service will write to you around four months before you reach State Pension age to invite you to apply." Checking your State Pension age is simple and can be done online by entering a date of birth into the UK Government's official State Pension age calculator. The full New State Pension is presently worth £241.30 per week, which equates to £995.20 for each four-week payment period. The exact amount someone receives depends on their National Insurance record. Most individuals need around 35 qualifying years of National Insurance Contributions (NICs) to receive the full New State Pension, while those with fewer years may qualify for a smaller amount. A minimum of 10 years of NICs is required to be eligible for any State Pension payments. The increase in the State Pension age is part of a long-term UK Government plan designed to reflect rising life expectancy and the growing cost of funding pensions. Further rises are already planned, with the State Pension age expected to increase again to 68 in the mid-2040s, although the exact timetable for that change is still being reviewed. For now, the DWP says its focus is on making sure those nearing retirement understand when they will qualify for the State Pension and how to go about claiming it. Check your State Pension age Check your State Pension age to find out when you can retire and claim State pension using the free online tool at GOV.UK here. This will tell you: - when you will reach State Pension age - your Pension Credit qualifying age