DWP Warns People Born In 1960–1961 To Check Their State Pension Age

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an important state pension warning for individuals born between 6 April 1960 and 5 March 1961.

Their State Pension age varies by exact birthdate and may be later than many expect. Here’s everything you need to know—timeline details, how to check your age, and why it matters.

Why the DWP Is Sounding the Alarm

The DWP is urging this group to check their exact State Pension age using the official GOV.UK tool, as many are unaware their age isn’t a fixed 66 but includes additional months. Understanding the correct timing ensures you don’t miss benefit letters or income eligibility.

When Will You Reach State Pension Age?

Thanks to the Pensions Act 2014, those born within this window will reach State Pension age at 66 years plus a set number of months, depending on your birth month. Here’s how it breaks down:

Date of Birth Range	State Pension Age (SPA)
6 Apr 1960 – 5 May 1960	66 years + 1 month
6 May 1960 – 5 Jun 1960	66 years + 2 months
6 Jun 1960 – 5 Jul 1960	66 years + 3 months
6 Jul 1960 – 5 Aug 1960	66 years + 4 months
6 Aug 1960 – 5 Sep 1960	66 years + 5 months
6 Sep 1960 – 5 Oct 1960	66 years + 6 months
6 Oct 1960 – 5 Nov 1960	66 years + 7 months
6 Nov 1960 – 5 Dec 1960	66 years + 8 months
6 Dec 1960 – 5 Jan 1961	66 years + 9 months
6 Jan 1961 – 5 Feb 1961	66 years + 10 months
6 Feb 1961 – 5 Mar 1961	66 years + 11 months

Meaning, someone born on 31 December 1960 would reach SPA on 30 September 2027, while a 31 January 1961 birthdate would hit SPA on 30 November 2027.

How to Check Your State Pension Age

You can easily check your personal SPA via the GOV.UK “Check your State Pension age” tool. This tool also provides your Pension Credit qualifying age and information on free bus travel eligibility. is essential, as you must claim your State Pension—it won’t be paid automatically when you reach SPA.

Why This Warning Matters Now

The State Pension age is rising: currently set at 66, it will increase to 67 between May 2026 and March 2028, then later to 68 between 2044–2046.

Understanding your personal SPA helps with planning, especially as rising pension costs and demographic shifts are putting pressure on the system.

If you were born between 6 April 1960 and 5 March 1961, your State Pension age does not default at 66—it includes extra months depending on your birth date.

Use the official GOV.UK calculator to verify your eligibility date, and plan ahead for when to file your claim, budget for retirement, and apply for related benefits.

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