I will receive my state pension at the end of November 2026, even though my birthday is at the end of July when I will be 66.
Can you tell me why I have to wait until the next November to receive it and not at the end of July?
Will the missing three or four months be reimbursed or taxed?
Ask Steve Webb your question. Email pensionquestions@thisismoney.co.uk
Steve Webb replies: There has been a lot of focus on the big changes to women’s state pension ages which occurred between 2010 and 2020, but I’m afraid that there are more changes in the pipeline for both men and women, one of which will affect you.
Steve Webb: Scroll down to find out how to ask him YOUR pension question
A law passed back in 2007 said that the state pension age for both men and women should rise to 66 by 2026, 67 by 2036 and 68 by 2046.
The idea of these changes was to reflect the long-term improvements which we have seen in life expectancies over many decades and to keep the state pension system affordable and sustainable.
However, the moves to 66 and to 67 have both been brought forward since that law was passed.
A law passed in 2011 brought forward the date at which the pension age would reach 66 by six years to 2020. And another law passed in 2014 brought forward the date for a pension age of 67 by eight years to 2028.
In terms of the move from 66 to 67, this will not happen over night but will be phased in between April 2026 and April 2028.
The phasing means that there will be some people (such as yourself) who will have a state pension age which is not a complete number of years but is, for example, 66 years and 4 months.
The table below shows how the pension age will rise gradually over the next couple of years for those born between 6 April 1960 and 5 March 1961. For those born after this date, the pension age will be (at least) 67.
| Period within which birthday falls Age pensionable age attained | |
|---|---|
| 6th April 1960 to 5th May 1960 66 years and 1 month | |
| 6th May 1960 to 5th June 1960 66 years and 2 months | |
| 6th June 1960 to 5th July 1960 66 years and 3 months | |
| 6th July 1960 to 5th August 1960 66 years and 4 months | |
| 6th August 1960 to 5th September 1960 66 years and 5 months | |
| 6th September 1960 to 5th October 1960 66 years and 6 months | |
| 6th October 1960 to 5th November 1960 66 years and 7 months | |
| 6th November 1960 to 5th December 1960 66 years and 8 months | |
| 6th December 1960 to 5th January 1961 66 years and 9 months | |
| 6th January 1961 to 5th February 1961 66 years and 10 months | |
| 6th February 1961 to 5th March 1961 66 years and 11 months | |
| Source: Pensions Act 2014, Section 26 | |
As you will see, someone born between 6 July 1960 and 5 August 1960 has a pension age of 66 years and four months, which is why you won’t be getting your state pension until November next year.
I’m afraid that you won’t be reimbursed for the ‘missing’ four months, but neither will you be taxed on your state pension until it actually starts.
In terms of increases in pension ages beyond 67, there is a high likelihood of a faster timetable.
Although there has so far been no change to the date for a pension age of 68, two separate independent reviews have recommended bringing that date forward.
A third independent review of the state pension age has just been set up and it is widely expected that this will lead to a faster pace for reaching 68, as well as setting out a potential timetable for 69 or even 70.
Anyone thinking about their financial plans would be well advised to keep an eye on any changes which may be made to their state pension age, as you will not necessarily get a personal letter telling you that your pension age has changed.
The simplest way to do this is to bookmark the ‘Check your state pension age’ website and check it periodically and particularly if you are making decisions about your pension and retirement plans.
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