What is the state pension age and when will you get yours?

The state pension age has been rising as people live longer. When will it next go up and will you still be working in your 70s?

Pensioner blows out candles on birthday cake
(Image credit: ZeynepKaya via Getty Images)

Many people view 65 as a landmark birthday – the milestone when they cross into retired life. But, in fact, it is no longer the official state pension age in the UK. This increased to 66 between the years of 2018 and 2020, and is set to rise further in the future.

That doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t be able to retire until your mid-to-late 60s. As we explain in our pensions guide, the state pension is only supposed to support a minimum standard of living in retirement.

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Katie Williams
Staff Writer

Katie has a background in investment writing and is interested in everything to do with personal finance, politics, and investing. She enjoys translating complex topics into easy-to-understand stories to help people make the most of their money.

Katie believes investing shouldn’t be complicated, and that demystifying it can help normal people improve their lives.

Before joining the MoneyWeek team, Katie worked as an investment writer at Invesco, a global asset management firm. She joined the company as a graduate in 2019. While there, she wrote about the global economy, bond markets, alternative investments and UK equities.

Katie loves writing and studied English at the University of Cambridge. Outside of work, she enjoys going to the theatre, reading novels, travelling and trying new restaurants with friends.