State pension age to rise in 2026 - here’s how you can prepare

The state pension age is set to rise again in 2026, with significant implications for millions of UK workers planning for retirement. Current timelines mean anyone born between March 6, 1961, and April 5, 1977, will be affected by next year's changes, while those born after April 1977 can expect to wait until 68 before they are eligible to claim their state pension.

Rebecca Lamb, external relations manager at Money Wellness, an organisation commissioned by the Government’s Money and Pensions Service (MaPS), warned that the increase could hit some people harder than others.She said: “While that might sound a long way off, it could have a real impact, especially for people on lower incomes or in physically demanding jobs who may not be able to keep working for longer."

Under current rates for 2025/26, the full new state pension is £230.25 per week, or just under £12,000 a year. For those who have to wait an extra year before claiming, that could mean missing out on almost £12,000 of income. Ms Lamb added: “Although deferring your pension can slightly increase future payments, this doesn’t make up for the full year’s income loss, and for many, that money will simply be gone."

With the changes looming, financial experts say there are steps people can take now to protect their future income. Ms Lamb suggested starting with a check of your National Insurance (NI) record on the government website. She said: “If you have gaps, you might be able to make voluntary contributions to top them up,

“If you’re paying into a workplace or personal pension, try to keep contributing if you can. Even small amounts add up over time. And if you’re not yet in a pension scheme, it’s worth exploring your options. It’s never too late to start building up some financial security for the future.”

She also stressed the importance of seeking support if you’re concerned about coping financially before claiming your pension. She said: “Getting help early can make a big difference, easing pressure now and helping you plan for a more secure retirement."

Personal finance expert Fiona Peake of Ocean Finance echoed the need to plan carefully. She said: “For anyone approaching retirement, it’s important to understand when you’ll qualify for your state pension. You can check your state pension age easily on the Government’s website using the calculator on GOV.UK. It only takes a minute and can help you plan around your personal timeline rather than relying on assumptions."

Ms Peake recommended reviewing your National Insurance record to ensure you have enough qualifying years for the full state pension. Currently, 35 years of NI contributions are required for the full amount, with a minimum of 10 years needed to receive anything at all.

She explained: “If there are gaps, you may be able to make voluntary contributions to top up your record. This can make a big difference to your future income, so it’s worth looking into sooner rather than later. The Government recently extended the deadline for filling NI gaps between 2006 and 2016, giving people more time to boost their entitlement."

Beyond the state pension, Ms Peake suggested exploring other ways to build income for retirement. She said: “If you’re employed, make sure you’re contributing to your workplace pension, as your employer will usually add to it too. Even a small increase in your contributions now can grow into a healthy pot over time.

"If you're self-employed, setting up a private pension or increasing savings through an ISA can help build security for later life. Try to review your pension statements each year so you can see whether you’re on track to reach your retirement goals.”

She also highlighted the potential benefits of considering how long you want to keep working. Ms Peake said: “With the pension age rising, some people are choosing to stay in work longer, even if it’s just part-time. This can give you more time to save while keeping your pension untouched until you really need it."