People in their sixties expect to work for longer as speculation over changes to state pension age mounts

See more This is Money on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Updated: 02:00 EDT, 24 July 2026 Thirty-six per cent of people aged 60 or above expect to have to work longer as the state pension age rises, findings suggest.The state pension age is currently rising from 66 to 67 during a two-year process which began in April 2026.But as Andy Burnham settles in at Downing Street and Torsten Bell remains as pensions minister, speculation has started to mount about what pensioners can expect in future.There has been speculation the state pension age could rise to 68 faster than expected. This is because in its latest report, the Office for Budget Responsibility made a number of comments about the state pension age in the UK. The OBR said: 'The state pension age reaches 68 between 2037 and 2039, which the Government has confirmed is its current policy position rather than the rise to 68 happening between 2044 and 2046 as is currently legislated for.'The change would mean that people born between 1971 and 1977 would have to work until they are 68. This is Money contacted the Treasury to ask whether speculation about the state pension age rising faster than expected was accurate. Daily grind: Many people in their sixties continue to work due to financial necessityA Treasury spokesperson said: 'This is untrue. The law remains to increase to the State Pension to 68 in 2044. In July 2025 we announced the launch of the third review of the state pension age, which is required by legislation.'Torsten Bell has also posted on X this month to state that reports suggesting the UK state pension age could rise to 68 quicker than planned were incorrect. But Labour's position on the state pension age is under review. The Pensions Act 2014 legally requires the Government to review the state pension age every six years. The latest review was launched in 2025 and is due to end in 2028. The ongoing statutory review is considering whether the rules around pensionable age are appropriate, taking into account latest life expectancy data and other relevant factors and evidence. There is still a chance the state pension age could still end up rising faster than anticipated in the future. Pension calculator: When can you afford to retire? When can you afford to retire and how much do you need to get the lifestyle you want? This is Money's pension calculator, powered by Jarvis, uses benchmark Pensions UK Retirement Living Standards amounts to help you work out what your retirement could look like - and what you need to save. > Pension calculator: Work out whether you are on track Over 60s concerned they will be working for longerNew research by the Standard Life Centre for the Future of Retirement this week showed that many people aged 60 or over are worried they will have to work for longer as the state pension age increases. Over a third of people aged 60 or over who are not yet retired said they believed they would have to work for longer as the state pension age goes up. Two in five, or 38 per cent, of people aged 60 to 65 surveyed said they were currently working for longer just to cover day-to-day expenses. Standard Life suggested this indicated that financial pressures were a major factor behind the increase in later-life working. Thirty-seven per cent of people aged 60 to 65 surveyed said were delaying their retirement until they can receive the state pension, according to the research. The research said that more than 15million people in Britain fail to save enough money for their retirement. Catherine Foot, director of the Standard Life Centre for the Future of Retirement, said: 'Working later in life can offer real financial and social benefits, particularly when it reflects personal choice. 'Yet for many people, this isn't a lifestyle decision but a financial necessity.'Millions across the UK are unable to retire when they want, underlining the challenge of retirement adequacy and the need for longer working lives just to bridge the gap.' The state pension is worth £12,550 a year if you qualify for the full rate at present, and it is the cornerstone of many people's retirement finances. SIPPS: INVEST TO BUILD YOUR PENSIONAJ BellAJ Bell0.25% account fee. Full range of investmentsHargreaves LansdownHargreaves LansdownFree fund dealing, 40% off account feesInteractive InvestorInteractive InvestorFrom £5.99 per month, £100 of free tradesInvestEngineInvestEngineFee-free ETF investing, £100 welcome bonusProsperProsperNo account fee and 30 ETF fees refundedAffiliate links: If you take out a product This is Money may earn a commission. These deals are chosen by our editorial team, as we think they are worth highlighting. This does not affect our editorial independence.Compare the best Sipp for you: Our full reviews