Timeline of pensions in the United Kingdom

1908

• Old Age Pensions Act passed providing Means-tested benefit to people over 70^[1]

1925

• Widows’, Orphans’ and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act introduced to provide the first contributory state pension scheme, funded by contributions from both the employee and employer.

1940

• Old Age and Widows’ Pension Act introduced that broadened the benefits available to women.

1946

• National Insurance Act 1946 introduced a universal contributory state pension, funded by National Insurance contributions from workers.

1978

• 6 April - State Earnings-Related Pension Scheme starts
• 6 April - Guaranteed Minimum Pensions start

1995

• Pensions Act 1995

1997

• 6 April - Minimum funding requirement starts

2002

• 5 April - End of State Earnings-Related Pension Scheme scheme
• 6 April - Start of State second pension
• 25 June - START of State Pension Credit Act

2004

• Pensions Act 2004

2005

• 6 April - Pension Protection Fund starts
• 6 April - The Pensions Regulator starts

2006

• 6 April - Pension simplification "A-Day"

2010

• 6 April - State Pension age starts to increase from 60 to 65 for women.^[2]

2012

• Personal Accounts begin to be phased in.

2018

• 6 April - State Pension age equalised at 65 for men and women.^[2]

2020

• 6 April - State Pension age increased to 66 for men and women.^[2]

2027

• 6 April - State Pension age increased to 67 for men and women.^[2]

2034

• 6 April - State Pension age increased to 68 for men and women.^[2]

2042

• 6 April - State Pension age increased to 69 for men and women.^[2]

2049

• 6 April - State Pension age increased to 70 for men and women.^[2]

2056

• 6 April - State Pension age increased to 71 for men and women.^[2]

2063

• 6 April - State Pension age increased to 72 for men and women.^[2]

Notes