In 30 seconds
- From 6 April 2028, the normal minimum pension age rises from 55 to 57.
- Born on or after 6 April 1973: your earliest age is 57, unless protected.
- Some people keep a protected pension age if their scheme gave them an unqualified right to take benefits earlier before 4 November 2021.
- Protection is per scheme and can be lost on some transfers.
Key figures
What is changing
The "normal minimum pension age" is the earliest age at which you can usually take money from a personal or workplace pension without a tax charge. It has been 55 since 2010.
From 6 April 2028 it rises to 57. The government's aim is to keep the minimum pension age about ten years below the State Pension age, which reaches 67 in March 2028.
The State Pension is not affected by this change: it has its own, separate State Pension age.
Who is affected, by date of birth
| Born | What it means |
|---|---|
| On or before 6 April 1971 | You are 57 or older by 6 April 2028, so the change does not affect you. |
| 7 April 1971 to 5 April 1973 | You turn 55 before April 2028 but are still 55 or 56 on 6 April 2028. You can take money from 55 until 5 April 2028. If you haven't started by then, you will normally have to wait until 57, unless you have a protected pension age. |
| On or after 6 April 1973 | You turn 55 on or after 6 April 2028, so your earliest age is 57, unless you have a protected pension age. |
If you are in the middle group and already taking money, check with your provider how the change affects any money you have not yet accessed.
Protected pension age: who keeps 55
Some people keep the right to take their pension before 57. HMRC calls this a "protected pension age". You have one under a particular scheme if all of these apply:
- before 4 November 2021, you had the right under that scheme's rules to take benefits before 57;
- that right was unqualified: you did not need anyone's consent, such as your employer or the trustees;
- on 11 February 2021, the scheme's rules already allowed benefits before 57.
The protection belongs to the scheme, not to you. You can have a protected pension age in one pension and not in another.
Members of the firefighters', police and armed forces public service pension schemes are not affected by the increase.
Be careful before transferring
A protected pension age can be lost if you transfer to another scheme in the wrong way. The rules allow protection to survive some transfers, but not all. If your pension has a protected age and you are thinking of moving it, ask both providers in writing whether the protection will carry over before you sign anything.
A warning about early-access offers
Anyone offering to let you "unlock" your pension before the minimum age, outside these rules, is almost certainly running a scam. Taking money early without a protected age or ill-health grounds can lead to tax charges of more than half of what you take out, according to MoneyHelper. Pension cold-calling is illegal in the UK.
What it means for your plans
If you planned to stop work at 55
You may need two extra years of income from somewhere else: ISAs, savings, or part-time work. ISAs have no minimum age, which makes them useful for bridging the gap. See ISA or pension: which first?
If you are 50 to 54 now
Ask each of your pension providers whether you have a protected pension age. The answer may be different for each pension. Write it down alongside your plans.
If you are 55 or 56 before April 2028
You can take money until 5 April 2028. Don't rush into it just because of the deadline. Taking taxable money can trigger the £10,000 money purchase annual allowance and may push you into a higher tax band. Weigh it up first; our tax-free lump sum guide explains the traps. A free Pension Wise appointment can help.
Common questions
Does this affect the State Pension?
No. The State Pension has its own State Pension age, rising to 67 by March 2028.
Can I take my pension early if I'm ill?
Pension schemes can pay benefits early on ill-health grounds if you meet their conditions. Ask your scheme.
How do I find out if I have a protected pension age?
Ask each pension provider in writing. They can tell you whether your scheme rules give you a protected age.
Sources
This guide is general information, not personal financial advice. Rules can change and your situation may differ. For free, impartial help, contact MoneyHelper, or speak to a regulated financial adviser.
