If you are retirement planning in Cheshire or Oswestry, the state pension age is changing in 2026.
The government is implementing significant changes that could influence your retirement plans. As part of these measures, the State Pension age for both men and women will rise from 66 to 67.
Under the current system, people are only eligible to receive the State Pension once they reach the official age for qualification. Retirement ages may therefore vary if you have a private personal or workplace pension and different conditions apply.
Changes are scheduled to take effect between April 2026 and 2028, with a further increase in the State Pension age to 68 planned for between 2044 and 2046. Not everyone will be affected in 2026, and people’s eligibility will depend on their date of birth. The amount of money you are entitled to will also vary.
The latest ‘triple lock’ payment will see state pensions increase by 4.8% from April 2026. The government also confirmed that those pensioners drawing the state pension as their sole income will be exempt from tax. The full State Pension will amount to £230.25 per week but some people will qualify for less, if they paid in fewer National Insurance years or didn’t pay into the Additional State Pension.
In recent years, state pensioners have done well out of the ‘triple lock’ which increases payments by whichever is higher out of wages, inflation or 2.5%. In 2025 and 2026, rising wages are predicted to be a key factor in payment increases.
