Why Some People Miss Their State Pension at 66 – Explained by Expert Steve Webb
- by Caden Lockhart
- Sep, 23 2025
When the clock hits 66, many expect a bank transfer from the government to land in their account. Yet a surprising number of people find themselves waiting longer. Former pensions minister Steve Webb breaks down the quirks that keep a pension from arriving on the exact birthday.
Legal age versus personal circumstances
The baseline rule is simple: the state pension age in the UK is 66 for both men and women. That figure, however, is a moving target set by legislation, not a personal promise. Webb notes that the law looks at the date you were born, not the day you turn 66. If you were born after a certain cut‑off date, the state may have already scheduled your entitlement for a later month.
- People born between 1953 and 1955 have a pension age of 66 years and 3 months.
- Those born after 1955 face a gradual rise that will reach 67 between 2026 and 2028.
Thus, a 66‑year‑old whose birthday falls in March might not see a payment until June, simply because the government’s timetable slots the payment at the start of the next month.
Contribution gaps and deferrals
Even if the legal age lines up, you still need enough qualifying years. The state pension requires at least 10 years of National Insurance contributions for a basic amount, and 35 years for the full new State Pension. Webb explains that anyone with fewer than 10 years gets nothing at 66 – they’ll have to wait for a later claim or accept a reduced figure.
Some people deliberately postpone their pension to boost the weekly amount. Deferring after reaching the eligible age adds roughly 1% per month to the eventual payment. Webb says those who defer will naturally miss the 66th‑birthday payment, but they do so knowingly for a bigger cheque later.
Other hidden blockers include:
- Living abroad: UK residents who have moved overseas may need to re‑establish residence before the pension can be paid.
- Incorrect National Insurance records: Errors in your contribution history can delay processing until the issue is corrected.
- Benefit overlaps: Receiving certain benefits, like Jobseeker’s Allowance, can pause pension credit until the benefit ends.
Webb emphasizes that most delays are administrative, not punitive. A quick check with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) can often clear up a missed payment.
Upcoming reforms and what they mean for you
Starting 6 May 2026, the state pension age will start nudging up to 67. The government’s timeline spreads the increase over three years, meaning anyone turning 66 after that date will actually be 67 when they become eligible. Webb warns that this shift could catch many people off guard if they haven’t updated their retirement plans.
He advises:
- Check your State Pension age on the official website as soon as you hit 60.
- Review your National Insurance record for gaps and fill them before the age change.
- Consider whether deferring might be worthwhile in the new age landscape.
In short, the 66‑birthday myth is just that – a myth. Legal age, contribution history, deferral choices, and upcoming reforms all shape when the money finally arrives. With the right information, you can avoid surprise delays and plan for a smoother retirement.
