My Retirement Is on Hold… Apparently
So here’s the news: there’s yet another state pension age change on the horizon — just as many of us were getting ready to put our feet up. Calendars circled, holidays booked, biscuit tins at the ready — and then they shift the goalposts.
How the State Pension Age Change Affects Me Personally
I turn 65 this year. Under the previous rules, I would have been collecting my state pension. But now, thanks to the Pensions Act 2014, I have to wait until I’m nearly 67 — that’s a delay between April 2026 and April 2028, depending on my birth date.
For me, semi‑retirement was already a compromise — part‑time work, juggling home life, chasing after 11‑year‑olds, and forgetting why I entered a room.
A Family Affair: My Sister’s Experience
My sister planned for retirement at age 60 — but then the 2011 Pensions Act accelerated the increase, moving women’s pension age to 65 by November 2018. Many were left without time to prepare.
Groups like WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) argue the changes hit women with only short notice and inadequate communication, leaving millions financially vulnerable.
The Bigger Picture on the State Pension Age Change
- Women’s pension age rose from 60 to 65 between 2010–2018 and to 66 by October 2020.
- The next increase to 67 rolls out between May 2026 and March 2028, affecting those born between April 1960 and April 1977.
Coping with the Retirement Age Hike
- Check Your State Pension Age: Use the GOV.UK calculator to find your exact date.
- Review Your NICs: Aim for 35 good years to claim the full New State Pension (currently £230.25/week as of April 2025).
- Consider Deferring: Each 9‑week delay boosts your pension by about 1% — around 5.8% more per year. Learn about deferring your pension.
- Top‑Up with Savings: Use private pensions or ISAs to bridge any shortfall. Read more about personal pensions.
- Stay Informed: Future rises to 68 or beyond are already being debated. Age UK covers this in detail.
Final Thoughts
The state pension age change isn’t just a date tweak — it’s a shift that affects our retirement dreams and plans. It’s frustrating to lose ground on something we’ve prepared for all our lives. But remember — while the pension may wait, life doesn’t. There’s still plenty to enjoy, explore, and yes, moan about, over a cuppa.
