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

Does the recently-launched State Pension Age Review mean it could rise faster in future? We look at when the age is next scheduled to go up, and whether people could have to wait until their 70s, or even 80th birthday, to claim their state pension

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

The official state pension age is 66 for both men and women, and is scheduled to rise to 67 and then to 68 in the future.

But, a recently-launched State Pension Age Review has caused concern that the government may choose to speed up those increases.

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Ruth Emery
Contributing editor

Ruth is an award-winning financial journalist with more than 15 years' experience of working on national newspapers, websites and specialist magazines.


She is passionate about helping people feel more confident about their finances. She was previously editor of Times Money Mentor, and prior to that was deputy Money editor at The Sunday Times. 

A multi-award winning journalist, Ruth started her career on a pensions magazine at the FT Group, and has also worked at Money Observer and Money Advice Service. 

Outside of work, she is a mum to two young children, while also serving as a magistrate and an NHS volunteer.

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