State pension age (SPA)
The age at which you can first claim the UK state pension — currently 66, rising to 67 between 2026 and 2028, and to 68 from 2044.
State pension age is set by the Pensions Acts and has been rising. The current schedule: SPA 66 for those born before 6 April 1960, tapered from 66 to 67 for those born April 1960 to March 1961, SPA 67 for those born March 1961 to April 1977, and SPA 68 for those born after April 1977.
SPA also determines the normal pension age for the 2015 reformed public sector schemes (NHS, TPS, civil service alpha) and the 2014 LGPS scheme. This means retiring before SPA from a public sector scheme incurs actuarial reductions of roughly 5% per year early.
This calculator provides estimates based on 2025/26 tax rates and is not financial advice. Scottish taxpayers are subject to different income tax rates and bands. The calculations assume your salary is your only source of income and do not account for benefits in kind or other taxable income.
For personalised guidance on your pension contributions, speak to an FCA-regulated financial adviser. You can find one via Unbiased or VouchedFor.