Pension Age Increase
The government have confirmed that the age at which you are allowed to take benefits from your pensions will increase to age 57 from 55. This will be implemented from 6th April 2028. This means that for some, we will have to wait an extra 2 years to access our pension.
The pension age increase is intended to retain the 10 year age gap between the ages at which you can access your State and Private pensions.
Why the change?
“That announcement set out the timetable for this change well in advance to enable people to make financial plans and will be legislated for in due course.”
How will the pension age increase affect you?
- People born before 6th April 1971 can continue to be able to access their pensions from age 55
- Those born after 5th April 1973 will have to wait to age 57
- Those born between these two dates will have the option to access their pension from their 55th birthday to 6th April 2028. If they do not, they will have to wait until they are 57.
Protection scheme
Pension Age Increase – a summary
Data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) found that between April 2016 and March 2018, 16% of those between 55-59 had a private pension in payment. The changes in rules mean that 509,426 people (16% of 3,183,915 people) could potentially be impacted by this change.
The pension rules are complex and if you are thinking of transferring you pension or would like to know how this could impact your financial plans, speak to an Independent Financial Adviser.