The State Pension age is due to start rising from 66 to 67 next year, with the increase set to be completed by 2028 for all men and women born between March 6, 1961, and April 5, 1977. This planned change to the official retirement age has been in legislation since 2014, with a further rise in the State Pension age from 67 to 68 set to be implemented between 2044 and 2046.
The contributory benefit provides crucial financial support for nearly 13 million older people across the country, including more than one million retirees living in Scotland. This regular payment of up to £230.25 per week is available for those who have reached the UK Government's eligible retirement age and have paid National Insurance contributions for at least 10 years.
Many people nearing the official retirement a