The Pension Age Is Rising to 57 in April 2028
Right now you can usually take money from a private or workplace pension from age 55. On 6 April 2028 that minimum rises to 57. For most people it just means the earliest access date moves two years later. For anyone born between April 1971 and April 1973, it's stranger than that.
The basics
The normal minimum pension age, or NMPA, is the earliest you can access a defined contribution pension: taking the 25% tax-free lump sum, starting drawdown, or buying an annuity. It's currently 55, and rises to 57 on 6 April 2028 under the Finance Act 2022, keeping it ten years below the State Pension age as that moves to 67.
This isn't the first time it has moved. The minimum was 50 until 2010, when it rose to 55. The jump to 57 follows the same logic: as people live longer and the State Pension age climbs, the government keeps the private access age a fixed distance below it.
| When you were born | Earliest pension access |
|---|---|
| Before 6 April 1971 | 55: you reach it before the rule changes |
| 6 April 1971 to 5 April 1973 | 55 or 56 for a while, then locked until 57 (see below) |
| After 5 April 1973 | 57 |
The odd gap for 1971 to 1973 babies
There's no gradual phase-in; the age simply jumps on one day. Someone born in, say, October 1971 turns 55 in October 2026 and can access their pension. But on 6 April 2028 they're only 56, and money they haven't yet touched becomes off-limits again until their 57th birthday.
Priya was born in October 1971. She turns 55 in October 2026 and could start taking her pension then.
If she hasn't touched it by 6 April 2028, when she's 56, her access pauses until her 57th birthday in October 2028. Money she'd already moved into drawdown before that date stays available; the lock only affects what she hadn't yet accessed.
If you're in this window and were planning to rely on pension access at 56, it deserves proper planning now, ideally with advice, because using access early just to beat a deadline has long-term costs of its own. Taking money out at 55 means it's no longer growing inside the pension, and can trigger the £10,000 Money Purchase Annual Allowance on future contributions if you draw taxable income.
Protected pension ages
Some schemes gave members an unqualified right to take benefits before 57, and members who held that right on 11 February 2021 can keep the earlier age. Some professions, like certain sportspeople, have long had lower protected ages. Ask your provider whether your scheme carries a protected pension age, and don't assume either way. Ill-health access rules are also unaffected by the change.
What this doesn't change
- The State Pension age is separate: currently rising from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028.
- Being able to access is not the same as being able to afford it. Taking a pension at 57 means the pot must last much longer, and early withdrawals trigger the £10,000 MPAA limit on future contributions.
- Nothing changes before 6 April 2028. Access at 55 continues until then.
What to do if it affects you
- Check your date of birth against the table above. The 1971 to 1973 window is the group that needs to plan.
- Ask your pension provider whether your scheme has a protected pension age.
- If you were counting on access between 55 and 57, build a bridge: other savings, an ISA, or simply working to a later date. An ISA is ideal here, because it can be accessed at any age.
- Watch for further changes. Governments have adjusted this age before, and the details are worth re-checking nearer 2028.
How big will your pot be at 57?
Set your retirement age to 57 in the free calculator and see whether early access could actually fund the retirement you want.
Try the calculator →Common questions
When is the pension age rising to 57?
On 6 April 2028, under the Finance Act 2022. This is the earliest you can take a private or workplace pension, and it stays ten years below the State Pension age.
Who is affected?
Anyone born after 5 April 1973 will have a minimum pension age of 57. People born before 6 April 1971 reach 55 before the change. Those born between 6 April 1971 and 5 April 1973 hit an odd gap where access can pause until they turn 57.
What is a protected pension age?
Some schemes gave members an unqualified right to take benefits before 57, and members who held that right on 11 February 2021 can keep the earlier age. Certain professions have long had lower protected ages. Ask your provider whether your scheme carries one.
Does this change the State Pension age?
No, they're separate. The minimum pension age applies to private and workplace pensions; the State Pension age is rising from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028. Private pensions can usually be taken years before the State Pension starts.
Sources
- Normal minimum pension age rising to 57 on 6 April 2028: Finance Act 2022; GOV.UK / HMRC Pensions Tax Manual.
- Protected pension age condition (held on 11 February 2021): HMRC guidance.
- Money Purchase Annual Allowance £10,000: GOV.UK. Figures correct as of July 2026.
The Pension Sprout letter
One plain-English pension tip each month, plus what has changed in the rules. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
Sent via MailerLite. See our privacy policy.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice. The change to the normal minimum pension age takes effect on 6 April 2028 under the Finance Act 2022; protected pension age rules depend on your scheme's terms, so confirm your own position with your provider. Correct as of July 2026. For advice tailored to you, speak to a financial adviser regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), or get free guidance from MoneyHelper.