Pension Age

What is pension age?

Pension age is when you can start accessing your pension money. There are two different ages to know about:

• Private pension age – currently 55, rising to 57 in 2028
• State Pension age – currently 66, rising to 67 by 2028

When can you access a private pension?

You can take money from workplace pensions, personal pensions, and SIPPs from age 55. This rises to 57 in April 2028.

You don’t have to stop working. You can access your pension and keep earning if you want.

When can you claim the State Pension?

The State Pension age is currently 66 for everyone. It’s rising to 67 between 2026 and 2028, and may rise further in the future.

You can check your personal State Pension age on the government website.

Can you access a pension early?

For private pensions, usually only in cases of serious ill health. Early access scams exist—anyone offering to unlock your pension before 55 is likely breaking the law, and you could lose most of your money to tax and fees.

Key points

• Private pensions: 55 – rising to 57 in 2028
• State Pension: 66 – rising to 67 by 2028
• Don’t need to stop working – can access pension while employed
• Avoid early access schemes – usually scams