State Pension age rise and the triple lock explained

The State Pension age started rising from 66 in April 2026 and will reach 67 by April 2028. A later increase to 68 is currently legislated to happen between 2044 and 2046.^[4]

DWP has confirmed a further, independent review of the State Pension age is under way, looking at whether the planned future rises remain appropriate given life expectancy and fairness. As required by the Pensions Act 2014, it will draw on an independent report from Dr Suzy Morrissey and a report from the Government Actuary's Department on life expectancy projections.^[5]

As of October 2026, neither report has been published and DWP has not set a public deadline, so no further State Pension age change beyond the existing rise to 67 (and the already-legislated rise to 68) has been decided.

The triple lock means the State Pension rises each year by whichever is highest: average earnings growth, inflation (CPI), or 2.5%. Since 6 April 2026 the full new State Pension is £241.30 a week (£12,547.60 a year), and the full basic State Pension is £184.90 a week (£9,614.80 a year).

The triple lock is a government commitment set out in policy, not a law that guarantees it will continue — Parliament sets each year's increase through separate uprating legislation.

The government has committed to the triple lock as set out for the rest of this Parliament. From April 2030, it has announced plans to adjust how it works: the State Pension would still rise each year by at least inflation or 2.5%, but the earnings link would apply over the longer term rather than guaranteed every single year — while aiming to keep the State Pension at a record high relative to earnings.^[3]

This is a confirmed policy direction, announced by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, but it is not yet law and has not taken effect — it's planned to apply from April 2030.

Confirmed and already law: the State Pension age rise from 66 to 67, phased between April 2026 and April 2028, and the further rise to 68 legislated for 2044 to 2046.

Confirmed government commitment (not a change in law): the triple lock continuing as set out for the rest of this Parliament.

Announced, not yet law: adjusting how the triple lock works from April 2030, so that it keeps pace with earnings over time rather than guaranteeing the highest of the three measures every single year.

Under review, no decision made: whether the State Pension age should change further beyond the rise to 68 already legislated. The independent review's reports have not been published as of October 2026.

If you're approaching State Pension age, check your own date using the GOV.UK State Pension age calculator — don't rely on rounded figures, as it depends on your exact date of birth.

Check your State Pension forecast on GOV.UK to see your estimated amount and whether you have gaps in your National Insurance record that voluntary contributions could fill.

Because the independent review's reports haven't been published, there's no new age change to plan around yet beyond what's already legislated — it's worth checking back periodically rather than guessing.