State pension age
Your state pension age is the earliest point you can start claiming the State Pension — it isn't the same for everyone, and it isn't the same as the age you can dip into a private or workplace pension. Right now it sits at 66 for both men and women, but it's already scheduled to rise, and there's ongoing debate about further increases. This section walks you through finding your own date, understanding how it was set by your birth year, what future changes could mean for you, and what to weigh up if you're thinking about stopping work before you reach it.
When will I get my state pension?
The quickest way to find your exact state pension date, plus what to do if the numbers don't add up.
State pension age by birth year
A full table of birth year ranges and the state pension age that applies to each one, from 1960 to 1978.
Will the state pension age rise to 68?
What's confirmed, what's proposed, and how any future rise might affect you depending on your age now.
Retiring before state pension age
What to check before you stop work early, and how to bridge the income gap until your pension starts.
It's worth remembering that your state pension age is set entirely separately from when you can access a private or workplace pension — see our guide to private pension access age if you're planning around both.