The new State Pension
There were a number of changes made to the State Pension in 2016, resulting in two main pension schemes: the old...
State Pension
The State Pension is a regular payment made to you by the Government once you reach State Pension age. It's based on your previous National Insurance contributions.
What types of State Pension are there?
The new State Pension came into effect in 2016, replacing the old State Pension which existed before it. Which pension applies to you depends on whether you reached State Pension age before the new State Pension came into force (see the table below).
Which State Pension should I claim?
Use our chart to find out which State Pension you should claim:
| Gender | Date of birth | Pension |
|---|---|---|
| Female | Before 6 April 1953 | Old State Pension |
| Female | On or after 6 April 1953 | New State Pension |
| Male | Before 6 April 1951 | Old State Pension |
| Male | On or after 6 April 1951 | New State Pension |
Why are there 2 State Pensions?
The new State Pension was introduced in 2016 to replace the old State Pension (sometimes referred to as 'the basic State Pension'). Those who already qualified for the old State Pension will continue to receive it, but new claimants receive the new State Pension. Eventually, the old State Pension will be phased out completely.
When will I reach State Pension age?
State Pension age is currently 66 years old for both men and women. You can check when you'll receive your State Pension using the GOV.UK checker below.
You won't get your State Pension automatically – you have to claim it.
You should get an invitation letter from the Pension Service around 4 months before you reach State Pension age. You'll have the choice to claim it then or to defer it and receive higher payments in the future instead.
Deferring might mean you get more pension when you do claim – but it can also affect any benefits you get now. It's best to seek advice if you're thinking about deferring.
State Pension age to start rising from April 2026
For people born between April 1960 and March 1961, State Pension age will be rising gradually from age 66. People born from April 1961 to March 1977 will reach State Pension age when they reach their 67th birthday. There is a further rise to 68 planned for those born from April 1977 onwards but this is subject to review.
The DWP is publicising the change now with particular emphasis on those people born between 1960 and 1961 for whom State Pension age will be 66 plus a specified number of months, depending on the date of their birthday.
The following timetable was published with the Pensions Act 2014:
| Date of birth |
Date State Pension age reached |
| 6 April 1960 – 5 May 1960 | 66 years and 1 month |
| 6 May 1960 – 5 June 1960 | 66 years and 2 months |
| 6 June 1960 – 5 July 1960 | 66 years and 3 months |
| 6 July 1960 – 5 August 1960 | 66 years and 4 months |
| 6 August 1960 – 5 September 1960 | 66 years and 5 months |
| 6 September 1960 – 5 October 1960 | 66 years and 6 months |
| 6 October 1960 – 5 November 1960 | 66 years and 7 months |
| 6 November 1960 – 5 December 1960 | 66 years and 8 months |
| 6 December 1960 – 5 January 1961 | 66 years and 9 months |
| 6 January 1961 – 5 February 1961 | 66 years and 10 months |
| 6 February 1961 – 5 March 1961 | 66 years and 11 months |
| 6 March 1961 – 5 April 1977 | 67 |
Check your State Pension age
Use the government's State Pension calculator to find out your State Pension age.
We're here to help
We offer support through our free Advice Line. Lines are open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year. We also have specialist advisers at over 120 local Age UKs. You can contact us on:
-
0800 768 1602
We work with Wordskii to offer free interpreted calls. Visit the Wordskii website and select the language you would like to take the call in from the menu at the top right of the screen. This will tell you the best number to call.