15th July 2026
The UK is entering a new phase of pension reform. People born in 1977–78 are at the centre of the next State Pension age rise, and the Treasury’s long‑term fiscal pressures. The cost of the triple lock mean further changes later in life are very likely, not just possible.
What is already confirmed: rises to 67 and 68
The State Pension age is currently 66. It is already legislated to rise to:
67 between 2026 and 2028 — affecting people born 6 April 1960 to 5 April 1977
68 between 2044 and 2046 — affecting people born after 5 April 1977, including 1977–78 births
This means:
If you were born in 1977 or 1978, your State Pension age is 68 under current law.
You are part of the first cohort to wait this long.
Why 1977–78 births are under special scrutiny
The DWP has launched an early review of the timetable — unusually early — to consider bringing the rise to 68 forward.
This review specifically affects:
Anyone born after 6 April 1977
People born 1970–78 if the timetable is accelerated (a previous proposal)
The 2017 review recommended moving the rise to 68 forward to 2037–39, which would hit:
People born April 1970 to April 1978
The 2023 review suggested 2041–43 instead — still earlier than the current law.
So yes: 1977–78 births are right in the firing line for any accelerated timetable.
Why the Treasury is pushing this: the triple lock
The triple lock guarantees the State Pension rises by the highest of:
inflation
earnings
2.5%
This has driven the pension up more than 80% since 2011 and is now one of the biggest drivers of long‑term public spending growth.
The OBR warns:
State Pension costs will rise from 4.8% of GDP today to 8.6% in 50 years
The triple lock is considered unsustainable by multiple advisers to the incoming PM
This is why the Treasury is signalling that age rises and triple‑lock reform are both on the table.
Are more changes likely in future years?
Yes — and the reasons are structural:
Fiscal pressure
The State Pension is one of the two biggest engines of rising public spending (the other is the NHS).
As the population ages, the Treasury must either:
raise taxes
cut spending elsewhere
raise the pension age
change the triple lock
Life expectancy trends
Life expectancy has stalled or dipped slightly in recent years.
This complicates the timetable — but does not remove pressure to raise the age.
Undersaving
Around 15 million people are undersaving for retirement, especially the self‑employed and low‑paid.
This increases pressure on the State Pension system.
Mandatory six‑year reviews
By law, the government must review the State Pension age every six years.
The current review is early — signalling urgency.
Conclusion
It is highly likely that:
the rise to 68 will be brought forward
a rise to 69 will be considered (already mooted in the 2022 review)
the triple lock will be modified or replaced in the 2030s
What this means for people born in 1977–78
You are in the cohort most exposed to future changes:
Your State Pension age is already 68.
It could be accelerated to 2037–39 (age 68 reached earlier).
You could face a further rise to 69 depending on future reviews.
The triple lock may be weakened, reducing future pension growth.
In short: your generation is likely to work longer and receive a slower‑growing State Pension than today’s retirees.